Compositions comprising a fluoroolefin

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.

CROSS REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the priority benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/393,109, filed Mar. 30, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/369,227, filed Mar. 2, 2006, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/658,543, filed Mar. 4, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/710,439, filed Aug. 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Application 60/732,769, filed Nov. 1, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.

2. Description of Related Art

The refrigeration industry has been working for the past few decades to find replacement refrigerants for the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The solution for most refrigerant producers has been the commercialization of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The new HFC refrigerants, HFC-134a being the most widely used at this time, have zero ozone depletion potential and thus are not affected by the current regulatory phase out as a result of the Montreal Protocol.

Further environmental regulations may ultimately cause global phase out of certain HFC refrigerants. Currently, the automobile industry is facing regulations relating to global warming potential for refrigerants used in mobile air-conditioning. Therefore, there is a great current need to identify new refrigerants with reduced global warming potential for the mobile air-conditioning market. Should the regulations be more broadly applied in the future, an even greater need will be felt for refrigerants that can be used in all areas of the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

Currently proposed replacement refrigerants for HFC-134a include HFC-152a, pure hydrocarbons such as butane or propane, or “natural” refrigerants such as CO₂. Many of these suggested replacements are toxic, flammable, and/or have low energy efficiency. Therefore, new alternative refrigerants are being sought.

The object of the present invention is to provide novel refrigerant compositions and heat transfer fluid compositions that provide unique characteristics to meet the demands of low or zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential as compared to current refrigerants.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition comprising HFC-1225ye and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: HFC-1234ze, HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂, NH₃ and CF₃I.

The present invention further relates to a composition comprising HFC-1234ze and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂, NH₃ and CF₃I. The present invention further relates to a composition comprising HFC-1234yf and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂ and CF₃I.

The present invention further relates to a composition comprising HFC-1234ye and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂ and CF₃I.

The present invention further relates to a composition comprising HFC-1243zf and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂ and CF₃I.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin. The compositions of the present invention further comprise at least one additional component that may be a second fluoroolefin, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), hydrocarbon, dimethyl ether, bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfide, CF₃I, or CO₂. The fluoroolefin compounds and other components of the present inventive compositions are listed in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Compound Chemical name Chemical formula HFC-1225ye 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene CF₃CF═CHF HFC-1234ze 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene CF₃CH═CHF HFC-1234yf 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene CF₃CF═CH₂ HFC-1234ye 1,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropene CHF₂CF═CHF HFC-1243zf 3,3,3-trifluoropropene CF₃CH═CH₂ HFC-32 difluoromethane CH₂F₂ HFC-125 pentafluoroethane CF₃CHF₂ HFC-134 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane CHF₂CHF₂ HFC-134a 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane CH₂FCF₃ HFC-143a 1,1,1-trifluoroethane CH₃CF₃ HFC-152a 1,1-difluoroethane CHF₂CH₃ HFC-161 fluoroethane CH₃CH₂F HFC-227ea 1,1,1,2,3,3,3- CF₃CHFCF₃ heptafluoropropane HFC-236ea 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane CF₃CHFCHF₂ HFC-236fa 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroethane CF₃CH₂CF₃ HFC-245fa 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane CF₃CH₂CHF₂ HFC-365mfc 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane CF₃CH₂CH₂CHF₂ Propane CH₃CH₂CH₃ n-butane CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ i-butane isobutane CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃ 2-methylbutane CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃ n-pentane CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃ cyclopentane cyclo-(CH₂)₅— DME dimethylether CH₃OCH₃ CO₂ carbon dioxide CO₂ CF₃SCF₃ bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfide CF₃SCF₃ iodotrifluoromethane CF₃I NH₃ Ammonia NH₃

The individual components listed in Table 1 may be prepared by methods known in the art.

The fluoroolefin compounds used in the compositions of the present invention, HFC-1225ye, HFC-1234ze, and HFC-1234ye, may exist as different configurational isomers or stereoisomers. The present invention is intended to include all single configurational isomers, single stereoisomers or any combination or mixture thereof. For instance, 1,3,3,3-tetra-fluoropropene (HFC-1234ze) is meant to represent the cis-isomer, trans-isomer, or any combination or mixture of both isomers in any ratio. Another example is HFC-1225ye, by which is represented the cis-isomer, trans-isomer, or any combination or mixture of both isomers in any ratio. The compositions of the present invention contain primarily the cis or Z isomer of HFC-1225ye.

The compositions of the present invention include the following:

HFC-1225ye and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of HFC-1234ze, HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂, NH₃, and CF₃I;

HFC-1234ze and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂ and CF₃I;

HFC-1234yf and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂, NH₃, and CF₃I;

HFC-1243zf and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of HFC-1234ye, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂ and CF₃I; and

HFC-1234ye and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂ and CF₃I.

The compositions of the present invention may be generally useful when the fluoroolefin is present at about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent, preferably about 20 weight percent to about 99 weight percent, more preferably about 40 weight percent to about 99 weight percent and still more preferably 50 weight percent to about 99 weight percent.

The present invention further provides compositions as listed in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Concentration ranges (wt %) Components Preferred More preferred Most preferred HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 1-99/99-1 30-99/70-1 90-99/10-1; 95/5/97/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 40-99/60-1 90/10 HFC-1225ye/CO₂ 0.1-99.9/99.9-0.1 70-99.7/30-0.3 99/1 HFC-1225ye/ammonia 0.1-99.9/0.1-99.9 40-99.9/0.1-60 90/10, 85/15, 80/20, 95/5 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf 1-99/99-1 51-99/49-1 and 60/40, 51/49 60-90/40-10 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/HFC-32 1-98/1-98/1-98 50-98/1-40/1-40 85/10/5 81/15/4 82/15/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/CO₂ 1-98/1-98/0.1-98 50-98/1-40/0.3-30 84/15/1 84/15.5/0.5 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/propane 1-98/1-98/1-98 50-98/1-40/1-20 85/13/2 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/i-butane 1-98/1-98/1-98 50-98/1-40/1-20 85/13/2 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 50-98/1-40/1-20 85/13/2 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 20-90/1-50/1-60 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 40-98/1-50/1-40 76/9/15 152a HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-32 1-98/1-98/1-98 1-80/1-80/1-80 88/9/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-161 1-98/1-98/1-98 40-98/1-50/1-20 86/10/4 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/CO₂ 1-98/1-98/0.1-98 40-98/1-50/0.3-30 88.5/11/0.5 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/propane 1-98/1-98/1-98 40-98/1-50/1-20 87/10/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/i-butane 1-98/1-98/1-98 40-98/1-50/1-20 87/10/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 40-98/1-50/1-20 87/10/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/HFC-32 1-98/1-98/1-98 40-98/1-50/1-40 88/9/3 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 30-99/70-1 90/10 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-32 1-99/99-1 40-99/60-1 95/5 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-32/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 20-90/0.1-60/1-70 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-152a 1-99/99-1 40-99/60-1 80/20 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-125 1-99/99-1 30-99/70-1 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 30-99/70-1 90/10 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32 1-99/99-1 40-99/60-1 95/5 HFC-1234yf/HFC-125 0.1-99/99-0.1 40-99/1-60 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a 1-99/99-1 40-99/60-1 80/20 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 20-97/1-80/1-50/ 74/8/17/1 152a/HFC-32 0.1-97 0.1-50 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-98/1-98/0.1-98 10-90/10-90/0.1-50 70/20/10 and 134a 20/70/10 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-32 1-98/1-98/0.1-98 10-90/5-90/0.1-50 25/73/2, 75/23/2, 49/49/2, 85/10/5, 90/5/5 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-97/1-97/0.1-97/ 10-80/10-80/1-60/1-60 32/CF₃I 1-97 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-98/1-98/0.1-98 10-90/10-90/0.1-50 70/25/5 and 152a 25/70/5 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-98/1-98/0.1-98 10-90/10-90/0.1-50 25/71/4, 125 75/21/4, 75/24/1 and 25/74/1 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 9-90/9-90/1-60 40/40/20 and 45/45/10 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/5-70 30/30/40 and 0.1-98 23/25/52 HFC-32/HFC-125/trans-HFC- 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/5-70 30/50/20 and 1234ze 0.1-98 23/25/52 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/5-70 40/50/10, 0.1-98 23/25/52, 15/45/40, and 10/60/30 HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 1-60/1-60/1-60/1-60 1225ye/CF₃I 1-97 HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-96/1-96/1-96/ 1-50/1-50/1-50/1-50/ 1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 1-96/1-96 1-50 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 1-96/1-96/1-96/ 1-50/1-50/1-50/1-50/ 134a/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 1-96/1-96 1-50 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/n-butane 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/1-20 65/32/3 and 0.1-98 85.1/11.5/3.4 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 1-98/1-98/1-98 1-60/10-60/10-90 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 1-60/1-60/10-80/1-60 1-97 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 1-60/1-60/10-80/5-80 1-97 HFC-125/trans-HFC-1234ze/n- 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/1-20 66/32/2 and butane 0.1-98 86.1/11.5/2.4 HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/n-butane 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/1-20 67/32/1 and 0.1-98 87.1/11.5/1.4 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/isobutane 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/1-20 85.1/11.5/3.4 0.1-98 and 65/32/3 HFC-1225ye/HFC-125/ammonia 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 20-98/1-60/0.1-40 0.1-98 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/HFC- 0.1-97/0.1-97/ 20-97/1-60/1-60/ 125/ammonia 0.1-97/0.1-97 0.1-40 HFC-125/trans-HFC- 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/1-20 86.1/11.5/2.4 1234ze/isobutane 0.1-98 and 66/32/2 HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/isobutane 0.1-98/0.1-98/ 5-70/5-70/1-20 and 87.1/11.5/1.4 0.1-98 80-98/1-19/1-10 and 67/32/1 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/HFC-143a 1-50/1-98/1-98 15-50/20-80/5-60 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/isobutane 1-40/59-98/1-30 10-40/59-90/1-10 HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/HFC-143a 1-60/1-98/1-98 10-60/20-70/20-70 HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/isobutane 1-40/59-98/1-20 10-40/59-90/1-10 HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/CF₃I 1-98/0.1-98/1-98 10-80/1-60/1-60 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134/propane 1-80/1-70/19-90 20-80/10-70/19-50 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134/DME 1-70/1-98/29-98 20-70/10-70/29-50 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/propane 1-80/1-80/19-98 10-80/10-80/19-50 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/1-60/1-60 HFC-1234yf/HFC-143a/propane 1-80/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-50 HFC-1234yf/HFC-143a/DME 1-40/59-98/1-20 5-40/59-90/1-10 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/isobutane 1-98/1-90/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/DME 1-70/1-98/1-98 10-70/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/1-60/1-60 HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/propane 1-80/1-70/29-98 10-60/10-60/29-50 HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/n-butane 40-98/1-59/1-20 50-98/10-49/1-10 HFC-1234yf/HFC- 30-98/1-69/1-30 50-98/10-49/1-10 227ea/isobutane HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/DME 1-98/1-80/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-20 HFC-1234yf/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-80/10-40/1-20 HFC-1234yf/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-50/1-98 10-90/1-40/1-20 HFC-1234yf/DME/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/1-20/10-80 HFC-1234yf/DME/CF₃SCF₃ 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-80/1-20/10-70 HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 1234ze/HFC-134 HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 1234ze/HFC-227ea HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-60/1-60/39-98 10-60/10-60/39-80 1234ze/propane HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/10-80/1-20 1234ze/n-butane HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-30 1234ze/DME HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC-1234ze/ 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 CF₃SCF₃ HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 134 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/n- 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/10-80/1-20 butane HFC-1225ye/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 1243zf/isobutane HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/HFC-152a 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-50 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 227ea HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/n-butane 1-98/1-90/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/isobutane 1-98/1-90/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/DME 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1225ye/HFC-227ea/DME 40-98/1-59/1-30 50-98/1-49/1-20 HFC-1225ye/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-30/1-98 60-98/1-20/1-20 HFC-1225ye/n-butane/CF₃SCF₃ 1-98/1-20/1-98 10-80/1-10/10-80 HFC-1225ye/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-60/1-98 40-90/1-30/1-30 HFC-1225ye/isobutane/CF₃I 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-80/1-30/10-80 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 1243zf/HFC-227ea trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-1243zf/n- 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/10-80/1-20 butane trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 1243zf/isobutane trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-40 1243zf/DME trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-32/CF3I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/1-70/1-80 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-50 134/HFC-152a trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 134/HFC-227ea trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134/DME 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-50 134a/HFC-152a trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-152a/n- 1-98/1-98/1-50 10-80/10-80/1-30 butane trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 20-90/1-50/1-30 152a/DME trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-227ea/n- 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 butane trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-90/1-30/1-30 trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane/CF₃I 1-98/1-30/1-98 10-80/1-20/10-80 trans-HFC- 1-98/1-60/1-98 10-90/1-30/1-30 1234ze/isobutane/DME trans-HFC-1234ze/isobutane/ 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-80/1-20/10-80 CF₃I trans-HFC-1234ze/isobutane/ 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-80/1-20/10-80 CF₃SCF₃ HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 227ea HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/10-80 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/10-80/1-50 152a HFC-1243zf/HFC-134a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/10-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/propane 1-70/1-70/29-98 10-70/1-50/29-40 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 10-80/1-80/1-20 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/1-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/1-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/HFC-227ea/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-40 10-80/1-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/HFC- 1-98/1-90/1-50 10-80/1-80/1-30 227ea/isobutane HFC-1243zf/HFC-227ea/DME 1-98/1-80/1-90 10-80/1-80/1-30 HFC-1243zf/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-90/1-30/1-30 HFC-1243zf/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-60/1-98 10-90/1-30/1-30 HFC-1243zf/isobutane/CF₃I 1-98/1-40/1-98 10-80/1-30/10-80 HFC-1243zf/DME/CF₃SCF₃ 1-98/1-40/1-90 10-80/1-30/10-80 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 5-80/1-70/1-80 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 1-80/1-70/5-70/5-70 32/HFC-125 1-97 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 5-80/5-70/5-70/5-70 32/HFC-134a 1-97 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 1-96/1-96/1-96/ 1-70/1-60/1-70/1-60/ 32/HFC-125/CF₃I 1-96/1-96 1-60 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 10-80/5-70/5-70/5-70 125/HFC-152a 1-97 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 5-70/5-70/5-70/1-30 125/isobutane 1-97 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 5-70/5-70/5-70/1-30 125/propane 1-50 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 5-70/5-70/5-70/1-30 125/DME 1-50 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/CF₃I/DME 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 5-70/5-70/5-70/1-30 1-50 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 10-80/5-70/5-70/1-80 125/CF₃I 1-97 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/1-70/1-80 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 5-70/5-80/1-70/5-70 134a/CF₃I 1-97 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/HFC-125 1-98/1-98/1-98 10-80/5-80/10-80 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/ 10-80/5-70/10-80/5-80 125/CF3I 1-97

The most preferred compositions of the present invention listed in Table 2 are generally expected to maintain the desired properties and functionality when the components are present in the concentrations as listed +/−2 weight percent. The compositions containing CO₂ would be expected to maintain the desired properties and functionality when the CO₂ was present at the listed concentration +/−0.2 weight percent.

The compositions of the present invention may be azeotropic or near-azeotropic compositions. By azeotropic composition is meant a constant-boiling mixture of two or more substances that behave as a single substance. One way to characterize an azeotropic composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has the same composition as the liquid from which it is evaporated or distilled, i.e., the mixture distills/refluxes without compositional change. Constant-boiling compositions are characterized as azeotropic because they exhibit either a maximum or minimum boiling point, as compared with that of the non-azeotropic mixture of the same compounds. An azeotropic composition will not fractionate within a refrigeration or air conditioning system during operation, which may reduce efficiency of the system. Additionally, an azeotropic composition will not fractionate upon leakage from a refrigeration or air conditioning system. In the situation where one component of a mixture is flammable, fractionation during leakage could lead to a flammable composition either within the system or outside of the system.

A near-azeotropic composition (also commonly referred to as an “azeotrope-like composition”) is a substantially constant boiling liquid admixture of two or more substances that behaves essentially as a single substance. One way to characterize a near-azeotropic composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has substantially the same composition as the liquid from which it was evaporated or distilled, that is, the admixture distills/refluxes without substantial composition change. Another way to characterize a near-azeotropic composition is that the bubble point vapor pressure and the dew point vapor pressure of the composition at a particular temperature are substantially the same. Herein, a composition is near-azeotropic if, after 50 weight percent of the composition is removed, such as by evaporation or boiling off, the difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent of the original composition has been removed is less than about 10 percent.

Azeotropic compositions of the present invention at a specified temperature are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Component Component Wt Wt T A B % A % B Psia kPa (C.) HFC-1234yf HFC-32 7.4 92.6 49.2 339 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-125 10.9 89.1 40.7 281 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134a 70.4 29.6 18.4 127 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-152a 91.0 9.0 17.9 123 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-143a 17.3 82.7 39.5 272 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-227ea 84.6 15.4 18.0 124 −25 HFC-1234yf propane 51.5 48.5 33.5 231 −25 HFC-1234yf n-butane 98.1 1.9 17.9 123 −25 HFC-1234yf isobutane 88.1 11.9 19.0 131 −25 HFC-1234yf DME 53.5 46.5 13.1 90 −25 HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- 63.0 37.0 11.7 81 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf 40.0 60.0 13.6 94 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 52.2 47.8 12.8 88 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-152a 7.3 92.7 14.5 100 −25 HFC-1225ye propane 29.7 70.3 30.3 209 −25 HFC-1225ye n-butane 89.5 10.5 12.3 85 −25 HFC-1225ye isobutane 79.3 20.7 13.9 96 −25 HFC-1225ye DME 82.1 17.9 10.8 74 −25 HFC-1225ye CF₃SCF₃ 37.0 63.0 12.4 85 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-1243zf 17.0 83.0 13.0 90 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-134 45.7 54.3 12.5 86 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-134a 9.5 90.5 15.5 107 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-152a 21.6 78.4 14.6 101 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-227ea 59.2 40.8 11.7 81 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze propane 28.5 71.5 30.3 209 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze n-butane 88.6 11.4 11.9 82 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze isobutane 77.9 22.1 12.9 89 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze DME 84.1 15.9 10.8 74 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze CF₃SCF₃ 34.3 65.7 12.7 88 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134 63.0 37.0 13.5 93 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134A 25.1 74.9 15.9 110 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-152A 40.7 59.3 15.2 104 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-227ea 78.5 21.5 13.1 90 −25 HFC-1243zf propane 32.8 67.2 31.0 213 −25 HFC-1243zf n-butane 90.3 9.7 13.5 93 −25 HFC-1243zf isobutane 80.7 19.3 14.3 98 −25 HFC-1243zf DME 72.7 27.3 12.0 83 −25 cis-HFC-1234ze HFC-236ea 20.9 79.1 30.3 209 25 cis-HFC-1234ze HFC-245fa 76.2 23.8 26.1 180 25 cis-HFC-1234ze n-butane 51.4 48.6 6.08 42 −25 cis-HFC-1234ze isobutane 26.2 73.8 8.74 60 −25 cis-HFC-1234ze 2-methylbutane 86.6 13.4 27.2 188 25 cis-HFC-1234ze n-pentane 92.9 7.1 26.2 181 25 HFC-1234ye HFC-236ea 24.0 76.0 3.35 23.1 −25 HFC-1234ye HFC-245fa 42.5 57.5 22.8 157 25 HFC-1234ye n-butane 41.2 58.8 38.0 262 25 HFC-1234ye isobutane 16.4 83.6 50.9 351 25 HFC-1234ye 2-methylbutane 80.3 19.7 23.1 159 25 HFC-1234ye n-pentane 87.7 12.3 21.8 150 25

Additionally, ternary azeotropes composition have been found as listed in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Pres Pres Temp Component A Component B Component C Wt % A Wt % B Wt % C (psi) (kPa) (° C.) HFC-1234yf HFC-32 HFC-143A 3.9 74.3 21.8 50.02 345 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-32 isobutane 1.1 92.1 6.8 50.05 345 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-125 HFC-143A 14.4 43.5 42.1 38.62 266 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-125 isobutane 9.7 89.1 1.2 40.81 281 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134 propane 4.3 39.1 56.7 34.30 236 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134 DME 15.2 67.0 17.8 10.38 71.6 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134a propane 24.5 31.1 44.5 34.01 234 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134a n-butane 60.3 35.2 4.5 18.58 128 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134a isobutane 48.6 37.2 14.3 19.86 137 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134a DME 24.0 67.9 8.1 17.21 119 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-143a propane 17.7 71.0 11.3 40.42 279 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-143a DME 5.7 93.0 1.3 39.08 269 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-152a n-butane 86.6 10.8 2.7 17.97 124 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-152a isobutane 75.3 11.8 12.9 19.12 132 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-152a DME 24.6 43.3 32.1 11.78 81.2 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-227ea propane 35.6 17.8 46.7 33.84 233 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-227ea n-butane 81.9 16.0 2.1 18.07 125 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-227ea isobutane 70.2 18.2 11.6 19.27 133 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-227ea DME 28.3 55.6 16.1 15.02 104 −25 HFC-1234yf n-butane DME 48.9 4.6 46.4 13.15 90.7 −25 HFC-1234yf isobutane DME 31.2 26.2 42.6 14.19 97.8 −25 HFC-1234yf DME CF₃I 16.3 10.0 73.7 15.65 108 −25 HFC-1234yf DME CF₃SCF₃ 34.3 10.5 55.2 14.57 100 −25 HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- HFC-134 47.4 5.6 47.0 12.77 88.0 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- HFC-227ea 28.4 52.6 19.0 11.63 80.2 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- propane 20.9 9.1 70.0 30.36 209 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- n-butane 65.8 24.1 10.1 12.39 85.4 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- DME 41.0 40.1 18.9 10.98 75.7 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye trans-HFC- CF₃SCF₃ 1.0 33.7 65.2 12.66 87.3 −25 1234ze HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf HFC-134 28.7 47.3 24.1 13.80 95.1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf n-butane 37.5 55.0 7.5 13.95 96.2 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf isobutane 40.5 43.2 16.3 14.83 102 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf DME 19.1 51.0 29.9 12.15 83.8 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf CF₃I 10.3 27.3 62.3 14.05 96.9 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 HFC-152a 63.6 26.8 9.6 12.38 85.4 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 HFC-227ea 1.3 52.3 46.4 12.32 84.9 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 n-butane 18.1 67.1 14.9 14.54 100 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 isobutane 0.7 74.0 25.3 16.68 115 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 DME 29.8 52.5 17.8 9.78 67.4 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-227ea DME 63.1 31.0 5.8 10.93 75.4 −25 HFC-1225ye n-butane DME 66.0 13.0 21.1 11.34 78.2 −25 HFC-1225ye n-butane CF₃SCF₃ 71.3 5.6 23.0 12.25 84.5 −25 HFC-1225ye isobutane DME 49.9 29.7 20.4 12.83 88.5 −25 HFC-1225ye isobutane CF₃I 27.7 2.2 70.1 13.19 90.9 −25 trans-HFC- HFC-1243zf HFC-227ea 7.1 73.7 19.2 13.11 90.4 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-1243zf n-butane 9.5 81.2 9.3 13.48 92.9 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-1243zf isobutane 3.3 77.6 19.1 14.26 98.3 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-1243zf DME 2.6 70.0 27.4 12.03 82.9 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-134 HFC-152a 52.0 42.9 5.1 12.37 85.3 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-134 HFC-227ea 30.0 43.2 26.8 12.61 86.9 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-134 DME 27.7 54.7 17.7 9.76 67.3 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-134a HFC-152a 14.4 34.7 51.0 14.42 99.4 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-152a n-butane 5.4 80.5 14.1 15.41 106 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-152a DME 59.1 16.4 24.5 10.80 74.5 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- HFC-227ea n-butane 40.1 48.5 11.3 12.61 86.9 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- n-butane DME 68.1 13.0 18.9 11.29 77.8 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- n-butane CF₃I 81.2 9.7 9.1 11.87 81.8 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- isobutane DME 55.5 28.7 15.8 12.38 85.4 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- isobutane CF₃I 34.9 6.1 59.0 12.57 86.7 −25 1234ze trans-HFC- isobutane CF₃SCF₃ 37.7 1.1 61.7 12.66 87.3 −25 1234ze HFC-1243zf HFC-134 HFC-227ea 58.6 34.1 7.3 13.54 93.4 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134 n-butane 27.5 58.7 13.9 14.72 101 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134 DME 18.7 63.5 17.8 10.11 69.7 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134 CF₃I 11.4 23.9 64.7 14.45 99.6 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134a HFC-152a 41.5 21.5 37.1 14.95 103 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134A n-butane 7.0 81.4 11.6 17.03 117 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-152a propane 2.9 34.0 63.0 31.73 219 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-152a n-butane 28.8 60.3 11.0 15.71 108 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-152a isobutane 6.2 68.5 25.3 17.05 118 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-152a DME 33.1 36.8 30.1 11.41 78.7 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-227ea n-butane 62.0 28.4 9.6 13.67 94.3 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-227ea isobutane 27.9 51.0 21.1 15.00 103 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-227ea DME 48.1 44.8 7.2 12.78 88.1 −25 HFC-1243zf n-butane DME 60.3 10.1 29.6 12.28 84.7 −25 HFC-1243zf isobutane DME 47.1 26.9 25.9 13.16 90.7 −25 HFC-1243zf isobutane CF₃I 32.8 1.1 66.1 13.97 96.3 −25 HFC-1243zf DME CF₃SCF₃ 41.1 2.3 56.6 13.60 93.8 −25

The near-azeotropic compositions of the present invention at a specified temperature are listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Component A Component B (wt % A/wt % B) T (C.) HFC-1234yf HFC-32 1-57/99-43 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-125 1-51/99-49 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-152a 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-161 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-143a 1-60/99-40 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-227ea 29-99/71-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-236fa 66-99/34-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-1225ye 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf trans-HFC-1234ze 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf HFC-1243zf 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234yf propane 1-80/99-20 −25 HFC-1234yf n-butane 71-99/29-1 −25 HFC-1234yf isobutane 60-99/40-1 −25 HFC-1234yf DME 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye trans-HFC-1234ze 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-1243zf 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-152a 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-161 1-84/99-16, −25 90-99/10-1 HFC-1225ye HFC-227ea 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-236ea 57-99/43-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-236fa 48-99/52-1 −25 HFC-1225ye HFC-245fa 70-99/30-1 −25 HFC-1225ye propane 1-72/99-28 −25 HFC-1225ye n-butane 65-99/35-1 −25 HFC-1225ye isobutane 50-99/50-1 −25 HFC-1225ye DME 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye CF₃I 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1225ye CF₃SCF₃ 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze cis-HFC-1234ze 73-99/27-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-1243zf 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-134 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-152a 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-161 1-52/99-48, −25 87-99/13-1 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-227ea 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-236ea 54-99/46-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-236fa 44-99/56-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze HFC-245fa 67-99/33-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze propane 1-71/99-29 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze n-butane 62-99/38-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze isobutane 39-99/61-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze DME 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze CF₃SCF₃ 1-99/99-1 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze CF₃I 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-134a 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-152a 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-161 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-227ea 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-236ea 53-99/47-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-236fa 49-99/51-1 −25 HFC-1243zf HFC-245fa 66-99/34-1 −25 HFC-1243zf propane 1-71/99-29 −25 HFC-1243zf n-butane 62-99/38-1 −25 HFC-1243zf isobutane 45-99/55-1 −25 HFC-1243zf DME 1-99/99-1 −25 cis-HFC-1234ze HFC-236ea 1-99/99-1 25 cis-HFC-1234ze HFC-236fa 1-99/99-1 25 cis-HFC-1234ze HFC-245fa 1-99/99-1 25 cis-HFC-1234ze n-butane 1-80/99-20 −25 cis-HFC-1234ze isobutane 1-69/99-31 −25 cis-HFC-1234ze 2-methylbutane 60-99/40-1 25 cis-HFC-1234ze n-pentane 63-99/37-1 25 HFC-1234ye HFC-134 38-99/62-1 25 HFC-1234ye HFC-236ea 1-99/99-1 −25 HFC-1234ye HFC-236fa 1-99/99-1 25 HFC-1234ye HFC-245fa 1-99/99-1 25 HFC-1234ye Cis-HFC-1234ze 1-99/99-1 25 HFC-1234ye n-butane 1-78/99-22 25 HFC-1234ye cyclopentane 70-99/30-1 25 HFC-1234ye isobutane 1-68/99-32 25 HFC-1234ye 2-methylbutane 47-99/53-1 25 HFC-1234ye n-pentane 57-99/43-1 25

Ternary and higher order near-azeotrope compositions comprising fluoroolefin have also been identified as listed in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Near-azeotrope range Temp Components (weight percent) (° C.) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-152a 1-98/1-98/1-98 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-161 1-98/1-98/1-98 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-40 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-20 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-50 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a 1-98/1-98/1-98 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a 1-98/1-98/1-98 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-125 1-98/1-98/1-20 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-97/1-97/1-97/1-10 25 152a/HFC-32 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/isobutane 80-98/1-19/1-10 25 HFC-125/trans-HFC- 80-98/1-19/1-10 25 1234ze/isobutane HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/isobutane 80-98/1-19/1-10 25 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 1-98/1-98/1-4 25 HFC-32/HFC-125/trans-HFC-1234ze 1-98/1-98/1-50 25 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf 1-98/1-98/1-55 25 HFC-125/trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane 80-98/1-19/1-10 25 HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/n-butane 80-98/1-19/1-10 25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/HFC-143a 1-50/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/isobutane 1-40/59-98/1-30 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/HFC-143a 1-60/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/isobutane 1-40/59-98/1-20 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134/propane 1-80/1-70/19-90 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134/DME 1-70/1-98/29-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/propane 1-80/1-80/19-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-143a/propane 1-80/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-143a/DME 1-40/59-98/1-20 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/isobutane 1-98/1-90/1-40 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/DME 1-70/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/propane 1-80/1-70/29-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/n-butane 40-98/1-59/1-20 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/isobutane 30-98/1-69/1-30 −25 HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea/DME 1-98/1-80/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-50/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/DME/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1234yf/DME/CF₃SCF₃ 1-98/1-40/1-80 −25 HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 1234ze/HFC-134 HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 1234ze/HFC-227ea HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC- 1-60/1-60/1-98 −25 1234ze/propane HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC-1234ze/n- 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 butane HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC-1234ze/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC-1234ze/ 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 CF₃SCF₃ HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/HFC-134 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/HFC-152a 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/HFC-227ea 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/n-butane 1-98/1-90/1-40 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/isobutane 1-98/1-90/1-40 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/DME 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1225ye/HFC-227ea/DME 40-98/1-59/1-30 −25 HFC-1225ye/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-30/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/n-butane/CF₃SCF₃ 1-98/1-20/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-60/1-98 −25 HFC-1225ye/isobutane/CF₃I 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-1243zf/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 227ea trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-1243zf/n- 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 butane trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 1243zf/isobutane trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-1243zf/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 152a trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 227ea trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134/DME 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134a/HFC- 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 152a trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-152a/n- 1-98/1-98/1-50 −25 butane trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-152a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-227ea/n- 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 butane trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane/CF₃I 1-98/1-30/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-60/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/isobutane/CF₃I 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 trans-HFC-1234ze/isobutane/ 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 CF₃SCF₃ HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/HFC-227ea 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134/CF₃I 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134a/HFC-152a 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-134a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/propane 1-70/1-70/29-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-30 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/isobutane 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a/DME 1-98/1-98/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-227ea/n-butane 1-98/1-98/1-40 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-227ea/isobutane 1-98/1-90/1-50 −25 HFC-1243zf/HFC-227ea/DME 1-98/1-80/1-90 −25 HFC-1243zf/n-butane/DME 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/isobutane/DME 1-98/1-60/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/isobutane/CF₃I 1-98/1-40/1-98 −25 HFC-1243zf/DME/CF₃SCF₃ 1-98/1-40/1-90 −25

Certain of the compositions of the present invention are non-azeotropic compositions. Those compositions of the present invention falling within the preferred ranges of Table 2, but outside of the near-azeotropic ranges of Table 5 and Table 6 may be considered to be non-azeotropic.

A non-azeotropic composition may have certain advantages over azeotropic or near azeotropic mixtures. A non-azeotropic composition is a mixture of two or more substances that behaves as a mixture rather than a single substance. One way to characterize a non-azeotropic composition is that the vapor produced by partial evaporation or distillation of the liquid has a substantially different composition as the liquid from which it was evaporated or distilled, that is, the admixture distills/refluxes with substantial composition change. Another way to characterize a non-azeotropic composition is that the bubble point vapor pressure and the dew point vapor pressure of the composition at a particular temperature are substantially different. Herein, a composition is non-azeotropic if, after 50 weight percent of the composition is removed, such as by evaporation or boiling off, the difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent of the original composition has been removed is greater than about 10 percent.

The compositions of the present invention may be prepared by any convenient method to combine the desired amounts of the individual components. A preferred method is to weigh the desired component amounts and thereafter combine the components in an appropriate vessel. Agitation may be used, if desired.

An alternative means for making compositions of the present invention may be a method for making a refrigerant blend composition, wherein said refrigerant blend composition comprises a composition as disclosed herein, said method comprising (i) reclaiming a volume of one or more components of a refrigerant composition from at least one refrigerant container, (ii) removing impurities sufficiently to enable reuse of said one or more of the reclaimed components, (iii) and optionally, combining all or part of said reclaimed volume of components with at least one additional refrigerant composition or component.

A refrigerant container may be any container in which is stored a refrigerant blend composition that has been used in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus. Said refrigerant container may be the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus in which the refrigerant blend was used. Additionally, the refrigerant container may be a storage container for collecting reclaimed refrigerant blend components, including but not limited to pressurized gas cylinders.

Residual refrigerant means any amount of refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component that may be moved out of the refrigerant container by any method known for transferring refrigerant blends or refrigerant blend components.

Impurities may be any component that is in the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component due to its use in a refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus. Such impurities include but are not limited to refrigeration lubricants, being those described earlier herein, particulates including but not limited to metal, metal salt or elastomer particles, that may have come out of the refrigeration apparatus, air-conditioning apparatus or heat pump apparatus, and any other contaminants that may adversely effect the performance of the refrigerant blend composition.

Such impurities may be removed sufficiently to allow reuse of the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component without adversely effecting the performance or equipment within which the refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component will be used.

It may be necessary to provide additional refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component to the residual refrigerant blend or refrigerant blend component in order to produce a composition that meets the specifications required for a given product. For instance, if a refrigerant blend has 3 components in a particular weight percentage range, it may be necessary to add one or more of the components in a given amount in order to restore the composition to within the specification limits.

Compositions of the present invention have zero or low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential (GWP). Additionally, the compositions of the present invention will have global warming potentials that are less than many hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants currently in use. One aspect of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant with a global warming potential of less than 1000, less than 500, less than 150, less than 100, or less than 50. Another aspect of the present invention is to reduce the net GWP of refrigerant mixtures by adding fluoroolefins to said mixtures.

The compositions of the present invention may be useful as low global warming potential (GWP) replacements for currently used refrigerants, including but not limited to R134a (or HFC-134a, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), R22 (or HCFC-22, chlorodifluoromethane), R123 (or HFC-123, 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane), R11 (CFC-11, fluorotrichloromethane), R12 (CFC-12, dichlorodifluoromethane), R245fa (or HFC-245fa, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane), R114 (or CFC-114, 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane), R236fa (or HFC-236fa, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane), R124 (or HCFC-124, 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), R407c (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 52 weight percent R134a, 25 weight percent R125 (pentafluoroethane), and 23 weight percent R32 (difluoromethane), R410A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 50 weight percent R125 and 50 weight percent R32), R417A, (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 46.6 weight percent R125, 50.0 weight percent R134a, and 3.4 weight percent n-butane), R422A, R422B, R422c and R422D, (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 85.1 weight percent R125, 11.5 weight percent R134a, and 3.4 weight percent isobutane), R404A, (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 44 weight percent R125, 52 weight percent R143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane), and 4.0 weight percent R134a) and R507A (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 50 weight percent R125 and 50 weight percent R143a). Additionally, the compositions of the present invention may be useful as replacements for R12 (CFC-12, dichlorodifluoromethane) or R502 (ASHRAE designation for a blend of 51.2 weight percent CFC-115 (chloropentafluoroethane) and 48.8 weight percent HCFC-22).

Often replacement refrigerants are most useful if capable of being used in the original refrigeration equipment designed for a different refrigerant. The compositions of the present invention may be useful as replacements for the above-mentioned refrigerants in original equipment. Additionally, the compositions of the present invention may be useful as replacements for the above mentioned refrigerants in equipment designed to use the above-mentioned refrigerants.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a lubricant. Lubricants of the present invention comprise refrigeration lubricants, i.e. those lubricants suitable for use with refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. Among these lubricants are those conventionally used in compression refrigeration apparatus utilizing chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. Such lubricants and their properties are discussed in the 1990 ASHRAE Handbook, Refrigeration Systems and Applications, chapter 8, titled “Lubricants in Refrigeration Systems”, pages 8.1 through 8.21. Lubricants of the present invention may comprise those commonly known as “mineral oils” in the field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Mineral oils comprise paraffins (i.e. straight-chain and branched-carbon-chain, saturated hydrocarbons), naphthenes (i.e. cyclic paraffins) and aromatics (i.e. unsaturated, cyclic hydrocarbons containing one or more rings characterized by alternating double bonds). Lubricants of the present invention further comprise those commonly known as “synthetic oils” in the field of compression refrigeration lubrication. Synthetic oils comprise alkylaryls (i.e. linear and branched alkyl alkylbenzenes), synthetic paraffins and napthenes, and poly(alphaolefins). Representative conventional lubricants of the present invention are the commercially available BVM 100 N (paraffinic mineral oil sold by BVA Oils), Suniso® 3GS and Suniso® 5GS (naphthenic mineral oil sold by Crompton Co.), Sontex® 372LT (naphthenic mineral oil sold by Pennzoil), Calumet® RO-30 (naphthenic mineral oil sold by Calumet Lubricants), Zerol® 75, Zerol® 150 and Zerol® 500 (linear alkylbenzenes sold by Shrieve Chemicals) and HAB 22 (branched alkylbenzene sold by Nippon Oil).

Lubricants of the present invention further comprise those that have been designed for use with hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants and are miscible with refrigerants of the present invention under compression refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus' operating conditions. Such lubricants and their properties are discussed in “Synthetic Lubricants and High-Performance Fluids”, R. L. Shubkin, editor, Marcel Dekker, 1993. Such lubricants include, but are not limited to, polyol esters (POEs) such as Castrol® 100 (Castrol, United Kingdom), polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) such as RL-488A from Dow (Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich.), and polyvinyl ethers (PVEs). These lubricants are readily available from various commercial sources.

Lubricants of the present invention are selected by considering a given compressor's requirements and the environment to which the lubricant will be exposed. Lubricants of the present invention preferably have a kinematic viscosity of at least about 5 cs (centistokes) at 40° C.

Commonly used refrigeration system additives may optionally be added, as desired, to compositions of the present invention in order to enhance lubricity and system stability. These additives are generally known within the field of refrigeration compressor lubrication, and include anti wear agents, extreme pressure lubricants, corrosion and oxidation inhibitors, metal surface deactivators, free radical scavengers, foaming and antifoam control agents, leak detectants and the like. In general, these additives are present only in small amounts relative to the overall lubricant composition. They are typically used at concentrations of from less than about 0.1% to as much as about 3% of each additive. These additives are selected on the basis of the individual system requirements. Some typical examples of such additives may include, but are not limited to, lubrication enhancing additives, such as alkyl or aryl esters of phosphoric acid and of thiophosphates. Additionally, the metal dialkyl dithiophosphates (e.g. zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate or ZDDP, Lubrizol 1375) and other members of this family of chemicals may be used in compositions of the present invention. Other antiwear additives include natural product oils and assymetrical polyhydroxyl lubrication additives such as Synergol TMS (International Lubricants). Similarly, stabilizers such as anti oxidants, free radical scavengers, and water scavengers may be employed. Compounds in this category can include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and epoxides.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of an additive such as, for example, a stabilizer, free radical scavenger and/or antioxidant. Such additives include but are not limited to, nitromethane, hindered phenols, hydroxylamines, thiols, phosphites, or lactones. Single additives or combinations may be used.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of a water scavenger (drying compound). Such water scavengers may comprise ortho esters such as trimethyl-, triethyl-, or tripropylortho formate.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a tracer selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), deuterated hydrocarbons, deuterated hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, fluoroethers, brominated compounds, iodated compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, nitrous oxide (N₂O) and combinations thereof. The tracer compounds are added to the compositions in previously determined quantities to allow detection of any dilution, contamination or other alteration of the composition, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/062,044, filed Feb. 18, 2005.

Typical tracer compounds for use in the present compositions are listed in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Compound Structure Deuterated hydrocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons Ethane-d6 CD₃CD₃ Propane-d8 CD₃CD₂CD₃ HFC-32-d2 CD₂F₂ HFC-134a-d2 CD₂FCF₃ HFC-143a-d3 CD₃CF₃ HFC-125-d CDF₂CF₃ HFC-227ea-d CF₃CDFCF₃ HFC-227ca-d CF₃CF₂CDF₂ HFC-134-d2 CDF₂CDF₂ HFC-236fa-d2 CF₃CD₂CF₃ HFC-245cb-d3 CF₃CF₂CD₃ HFC-263fb-d2* CF₃CD₂CH₃ HFC-263fb-d3 CF₂CH₂CD₃ Fluoroethers HFOC-125E CHF₂OCF₃ HFOC-134aE CH₂FOCF₃ HFOC-143aE CH₃OCF₃ HFOC-227eaE CF₃OCHFCF₃ HFOC-236faE CF₃OCH₂CF₃ HFOC-245faEβγ or CHF₂OCH₂CF₃ HFOC-245faEαβ (or CHF₂CH₂OCF₃) HFOC-245cbEβγ or CH₃OCF₂CF₃ HFOC-245cbαβ (or CH₃CF₂OCF₃) HFE-42-11mcc CF₃CF₂CF₂OCHFCF₃ (or Freon ® E1) Freon ® E2 CF₃CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃) CF₂OCHFCF₃ Hydrofluorocarbons HFC-23 CHF₃ HFC-161 CH₃CH₂F HFC-152a CH₃CHF₂ HFC-134 CHF₂CHF₂ HFC-227ea CF₃CHFCF₃ HFC-227ca CHF₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-236cb CH₂FCF₂CF₃ HFC-236ea CF₃CHFCHF₂ HFC-236fa CF₃CH₂CF₃ HFC-245cb CF₃CF₂CH₃ HFC-245fa CHF₂CH₂CF₃ HFC-254cb CHF₂CF₂CH₃ HFC-254eb CF₃CHFCH₃ HFC-263fb CF₃CH₂CH₃ HFC-272ca CH₃CF₂CH₃ HFC-281ea CH₃CHFCH₃ HFC-281fa CH₂FCH₂CH₃ HFC-329p CHF₂CF₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-329mmz (CH₃)₂CHCF₃ HFC-338mf CF₃CH₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-338pcc CHF₂CF₂CF₂CHF₂ HFC-347s CH₃CF₂CF₂CF₃ HFC-43-10mee CF₃CHFCHFCF₂CF₃ Perfluorocarbons PFC-116 CF₃CF₃ PFC-C216 Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂CF₂—) PFC-218 CF₃CF₂CF₃ PFC-C318 Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—) PFC-31-10mc CF₃CF₂CF₂CF₃ PFC-31-10my (CF₃)₂CFCF₃ PFC-C51-12mycm Cyclo(—CF(CF₃)CF₂CF(CF₃)CF₂—) PFC-C51-12mym, trans-cyclo(—CF₂CF(CF₃)CF(CF₃)CF₂—) PFC-C51-12mym, cis-cyclo(—CF₂CF(CF₃)CF(CF₃)CF₂—) Perfluoromethylcyclo- Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂CF₂—) pentane Perfluoromethylcyclo- Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—) hexane Perfluorodimethylcyclo- Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂—) hexane (ortho, meta, or para) Perfluoroethylcyclohexane Cyclo(—CF₂CF₂(CF₂CF₃)CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—) Perfluoroindan C₉F₁₀ (see structure below)  

Perfluorotrimethylcyclo- Cyclo hexane (all possible (—CF₂(CF₃)CF₂(CF₃)CF₂CF₂(CF₃)CF₂—) isomers) Perfluoroisopropylcyclo- Cyclo hexane (—CF₂CF₂(CF₂(CF₃)₂)CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂—) Perfluorodecalin (cis or trans, trans shown) C₁₀F₁₈ (see structure below)  

Perfluoromethyldecalin (cis or trans and all additional possible isomers) C₁₁F₂₀ (see structure below)  

Brominated compounds Bromomethane CH₃Br Bromofluoromethane CH₂FBr Bromodifluoromethane CHF₂Br Dibromofluoromethane CHFBr₂ Tribromomethane CHBr₃ Bromoethane CH₃CH₂Br Bromoethene CH₂═CHBr 1,2-dibromoethane CH₂BrCH₂Br 1-bromo-1,2- CFBr═CHF difluoroethene Iodated compounds lodotrifluoromethane CF₃I Difluoroiodomethane CHF₂I Fluoroiodomethane CH₂FI 1,1,2-trifluoro-1- CF₂ICH₂F iodoethane 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro- CF₂ICHF₂ 1-iodoethane 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro- CF₂ICF₂I 1,2-diiodoethane Iodopentafluorobenzene C₆F₅I Alcohols Ethanol CH₃CH₂OH n-propanol CH₃CH₂CH₂OH Isopropanol CH₃CH(OH)CH₃ Aldehydes and Ketones Acetone (2-propanone) CH₃C(O)CH₃ n-propanal CH₃CH₂CHO n-butanal CH₃CH₂CH₂CHO Methyl ethyl ketone CH₃C(O)CH₂CH₃ (2-butanone) Other Nitrous oxide N₂O

The compounds listed in Table 7 are available commercially (from chemical supply houses) or may be prepared by processes known in the art.

Single tracer compounds may be used in combination with a refrigeration/heating fluid in the compositions of the present invention or multiple tracer compounds may be combined in any proportion to serve as a tracer blend. The tracer blend may contain multiple tracer compounds from the same class of compounds or multiple tracer compounds from different classes of compounds. For example, a tracer blend may contain 2 or more deuterated hydrofluorocarbons, or one deuterated hydrofluorocarbon in combination with one or more perfluorocarbons.

Additionally, some of the compounds in Table 7 exist as multiple isomers, structural or optical. Single isomers or multiple isomers of the same compound may be used in any proportion to prepare the tracer compound. Further, single or multiple isomers of a given compound may be combined in any proportion with any number of other compounds to serve as a tracer blend.

The tracer compound or tracer blend may be present in the compositions at a total concentration of about 50 parts per million by weight (ppm) to about 1000 ppm. Preferably, the tracer compound or tracer blend is present at a total concentration of about 50 ppm to about 500 ppm and most preferably, the tracer compound or tracer blend is present at a total concentration of about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes. The compatibilizer is used to improve solubility of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants in conventional refrigeration lubricants. Refrigeration lubricants are needed to lubricate the compressor of a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus. The lubricant must move throughout the apparatus with the refrigerant in particular it must return from the non-compressor zones to the compressor to continue to function as lubricant and avoid compressor failure.

Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants are generally not compatible with convention refrigeration lubricants such as mineral oils, alkylbenzenes, synthetic paraffins, synthetic napthenes and poly(alpha)olefins. Many replacement lubricants have been proposed, however, the polyalkylene glycols, polyol esters and polyvinyl ethers, suggested for use with hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants are expensive and absorb water readily. Water in a refrigeration, air-conditioning system or heat pump can lead to corrosion and the formation of particles that may plug the capillary tubes and other small orifices in the system, ultimately causing system failure. Additionally, in existing equipment, time-consuming and costly flushing procedures are required to change to a new lubricant. Therefore, it is desirable to continue to use the original lubricant if possible.

The compatibilizers of the present invention improve solubility of the hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants in conventional refrigeration lubricants and thus improve oil return to the compressor.

Polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers of the present invention are represented by the formula R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y), wherein: x is an integer from 1-3; y is an integer from 1-4; R¹ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R³ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at least one of R¹ and R³ is said hydrocarbon radical; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units. As used herein, bonding sites mean radical sites available to form covalent bonds with other radicals. Hydrocarbylene radicals mean divalent hydrocarbon radicals. In the present invention, preferred polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers are represented by R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y): x is preferably 1-2; y is preferably 1; R¹ and R³ are preferably independently selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R² is preferably selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 or 3 carbon atoms, most preferably 3 carbon atoms; the polyoxyalkylene glycol ether molecular weight is preferably from about 100 to about 250 atomic mass units, most preferably from about 125 to about 250 atomic mass units. The R¹ and R³ hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms may be linear, branched or cyclic. Representative R¹ and R³ hydrocarbon radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl. Where free hydroxyl radicals on the present polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers may be incompatible with certain compression refrigeration apparatus materials of construction (e.g. Mylar®), R¹ and R³ are preferably aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, most preferably 1 carbon atom. The R² aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms form repeating oxyalkylene radicals —(OR²)_(x)— that include oxyethylene radicals, oxypropylene radicals, and oxybutylene radicals. The oxyalkylene radical comprising R² in one polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizer molecule may be the same, or one molecule may contain different R² oxyalkylenegroups. The present polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers preferably comprise at least one oxypropylene radical. Where R¹ is an aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites, the radical may be linear, branched or cyclic. Representative R¹ aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having two bonding sites include, for example, an ethylene radical, a propylene radical, a butylene radical, a pentylene radical, a hexylene radical, a cyclopentylene radical and a cyclohexylene radical. Representative R¹ aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having three or four bonding sites include residues derived from polyalcohols, such as trimethylolpropane, glycerin, pentaerythritol, 1,2,3-trihydroxycyclohexane and 1,3,5-trihydroxycyclohexane, by removing their hydroxyl radicals.

Representative polyoxyalkylene glycol ether compatibilizers include but are not limited to: CH₃OCH₂CH(CH₃)O(H or CH₃) (propylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl)ether), CH₃O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or CH₃) (dipropylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl)ether), CH₃O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or CH₃) (tripropylene glycol methyl (or dimethyl)ether), C₂H₅OCH₂CH(CH₃)O(H or C₂H₅) (propylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl)ether), C₂H_(S)O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or C₂H₅) (dipropylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl)ether), C₂H_(S)O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or C₂H₅) (tripropylene glycol ethyl (or diethyl)ether), C₃H₇OCH₂CH(CH₃)O(H or C₃H₇) (propylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl)ether), C₃H₇O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or C₃H₇) (dipropylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl)ether), C₃H₇O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or C₃H₇) (tripropylene glycol n-propyl (or di-n-propyl)ether), C₄H₉OCH₂CH(CH₃)OH (propylene glycol n-butyl ether), C₄H₉O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or C₄H₉) (dipropylene glycol n-butyl (or di-n-butyl)ether), C₄H₉O[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or C₄H₉) (tripropylene glycol n-butyl (or di-n-butyl)ether), (CH₃)₃COCH₂CH(CH₃)OH (propylene glycol t-butyl ether), (CH₃)₃CO[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₂(H or (CH₃)₃) (dipropylene glycol t-butyl (or di-t-butyl)ether), (CH₃)₃CO[CH₂CH(CH₃)O]₃(H or (CH₃)₃) (tripropylene glycol t-butyl (or di-t-butyl)ether), C₅H₁₁OCH₂CH(CH₃)OH (propylene glycol n-pentyl ether), C₄H₉OCH₂CH(C₂H₅)OH (butylene glycol n-butyl ether), C₄H₉O[CH₂CH(C₂H₅)O]₂H (dibutylene glycol n-butyl ether), trimethylolpropane tri-n-butyl ether (C₂H₅C(CH₂—O—(CH₂)₃CH₃)₃) and trimethylolpropane di-n-butyl ether (C₂H₅C(CH₂OC(CH₂)₃CH₃)₂CH₂OH).

Amide compatibilizers of the present invention comprise those represented by the formulae R¹C(O)NR²R³ and cyclo-[R⁴C(O)N(R⁵)], wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁴ is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said amides have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units. The molecular weight of said amides is preferably from about 160 to about 250 atomic mass units. R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ may optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals, which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R¹⁻³, and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned molecular weight limitations. Preferred amide compatibilizers consist of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. Representative R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ aliphaticand alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers. A preferred embodiment of amide compatibilizers are those wherein R⁴ in the aforementioned formula cyclo-[R⁴C(O)N(R⁵)-] may be represented by the hydrocarbylene radical (CR⁶R⁷)_(n), in other words, the formula: cyclo-[(CR⁶R⁷)_(n)C(O)N(R⁵)-] wherein: the previously-stated values for molecular weight apply; n is an integer from 3 to 5; R⁵ is a saturated hydrocarbon radical containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected (for each n) by the rules previously offered defining R¹⁻³. In the lactams represented by the formula: cyclo-[RCR⁶R⁷)_(n)C(O)N(R⁵)-], all R⁶ and R⁷ are preferably hydrogen, or contain a single saturated hydrocarbon radical among the n methylene units, and R⁵ is a saturated hydrocarbon radical containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms. For example, 1-(saturated hydrocarbon radical)-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-ones.

Representative amide compatibilizers include but are not limited to: 1-octylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-decylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-octyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-butylcaprolactam, 1-cyclohexylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-butyl-5-methylpiperid-2-one, 1-pentyl-5-methylpiperid-2-one, 1-hexylcaprolactam, 1-hexyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, 5-methyl-1-pentylpiperid-2-one, 1,3-dimethylpiperid-2-one, 1-methylcaprolactam, 1-butyl-pyrrolidin-2-one, 1,5-dimethylpiperid-2-one, 1-decyl-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, 1-dodecylpyrrolid-2-one, N,N-dibutylformamide and N,N-diisopropylacetamide.

Ketone compatibilizers of the present invention comprise ketones represented by the formula R¹C(O)R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight of from about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units. R¹ and R² in said ketones are preferably independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 9 carbon atoms. The molecular weight of said ketones is preferably from about 100 to 200 atomic mass units. R¹ and R² may together form a hydrocarbylene radical connected and forming a five, six, or seven-membered ring cyclic ketone, for example, cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, and cycloheptanone. R¹ and R² may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R¹ and R² may optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals, which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (keto-, oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R¹ and R², and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned molecular weight limitations. Representative R¹ and R² aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R¹C(O)R² include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers, as well as phenyl, benzyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl and phenethyl.

Representative ketone compatibilizers include but are not limited to: 2-butanone, 2-pentanone, acetophenone, butyrophenone, hexanophenone, cyclohexanone, cycloheptanone, 2-heptanone, 3-heptanone, 5-methyl-2-hexanone, 2-octanone, 3-octanone, diisobutyl ketone, 4-ethylcyclohexanone, 2-nonanone, 5-nonanone, 2-decanone, 4-decanone, 2-decalone, 2-tridecanone, dihexyl ketone and dicyclohexyl ketone.

Nitrile compatibilizers of the present invention comprise nitriles represented by the formula R¹CN, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said nitriles have a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200 atomic mass units. R¹ in said nitrile compatibilizers is preferably selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 8 to 10 carbon atoms. The molecular weight of said nitrile compatibilizers is preferably from about 120 to about 140 atomic mass units. R¹ may optionally include substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals containing non-hydrocarbon substituents selected from halogens (e.g., fluorine, chlorine) and alkoxides (e.g. methoxy). R¹ may optionally include heteroatom-substituted hydrocarbon radicals, that is, radicals, which contain the atoms nitrogen (aza-), oxygen (keto-, oxa-) or sulfur (thia-) in a radical chain otherwise composed of carbon atoms. In general, no more than three non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms, and preferably no more than one, will be present for each 10 carbon atoms in R¹, and the presence of any such non-hydrocarbon substituents and heteroatoms must be considered in applying the aforementioned molecular weight limitations. Representative R¹ aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R¹CN include pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers, as well as phenyl, benzyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl and phenethyl.

Representative nitrile compatibilizers include but are not limited to: 1-cyanopentane, 2,2-dimethyl-4-cyanopentane, 1-cyanohexane, 1-cyanoheptane, 1-cyanooctane, 2-cyanooctane, 1-cyanononane, 1-cyanodecane, 2-cyanodecane, 1-cyanoundecane and 1-cyanododecane.

Chlorocarbon compatibilizers of the present invention comprise chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl_(X), wherein; x is selected from the integers 1 or 2; R is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units. The molecular weight of said chlorocarbon compatibilizers is preferably from about 120 to 150 atomic mass units. Representative R aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula RCl_(x) include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl and their configurational isomers.

Representative chlorocarbon compatibilizers include but are not limited to: 3-(chloromethyl)pentane, 3-chloro-3-methylpentane, 1-chlorohexane, 1,6-dichlorohexane, 1-chloroheptane, 1-chlorooctane, 1-chlorononane, 1-chlorodecane, and 1,1,1-trichlorodecane.

Ester compatibilizers of the present invention comprise esters represented by the general formula R¹CO₂R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from linear and cyclic, saturated and unsaturated, alkyl and aryl radicals. Preferred esters consist essentially of the elements C, H and O, have a molecular weight of from about 80 to about 550 atomic mass units.

Representative esters include but are not limited to: (CH₃)₂CHCH₂OOC(CH₂)₂₋₄OCOCH₂CH(CH₃)₂ (diisobutyl dibasic ester), ethyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, n-butyl propionate, n-propyl propionate, ethyl benzoate, di-n-propyl phthalate, benzoic acid ethoxyethyl ester, dipropyl carbonate, “Exxate 700” (a commercial O₇ alkyl acetate), “Exxate 800” (a commercial C₈ alkyl acetate), dibutyl phthalate, and tert-butyl acetate.

Lactone compatibilizers of the present invention comprise lactones represented by structures [A], [B], and [C]:

These lactones contain the functional group —CO₂— in a ring of six (A), or preferably five atoms (B), wherein for structures [A] and [B], R₁ through R₈ are independently selected from hydrogen or linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals. Each R₁ though R₈ may be connected forming a ring with another R₁ through R₈. The lactone may have an exocyclic alkylidene group as in structure [C], wherein R₁ through R₆ are independently selected from hydrogen or linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals. Each R₁ though R₆ may be connected forming a ring with another R₁ through R₆. The lactone compatibilizers have a molecular weight range of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units, preferred from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units.

Representative lactone compatibilizers include but are not limited to the compounds listed in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Molecular Molecular Additive Molecular Structure Formula Weight (amu) (E,Z)-3-ethylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₇H₁₀O₂ 126 (E,Z)-3-propylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₈H₁₂O₂ 140 (E,Z)-3-butylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₉H₁₄O₂ 154 (E,Z)-3-pentylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₁₀H₁₆O₂ 168 (E,Z)-3-Hexylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₁₁H₁₈O₂ 182 (E,Z)-3-Heptylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₁₂H₂₀O₂ 196 (E,Z)-3-octylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₁₃H₂₂O₂ 210 (E,Z)-3-nonylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₁₄H₂₄O₂ 224 (E,Z)-3-decylidene-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2- one

C₁₅H₂₆O₂ 238 (E,Z)-3-(3,5,5- trimethylhexylidene)-5- methyl-dihydrofuran-2- one

C₁₄H₂₄O₂ 224 (E,Z)-3- cyclohexylmethylidene- 5-methyl-dihydrofuran- 2-one

C₁₂H₁₈O₂ 194 gamma-octalactone

C₈H₁₄O₂ 142 gamma-nonalactone

C₉H₁₆O₂ 156 gamma-decalactone

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 gamma-undecalactone

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 gamma-dodecalactone

C₁₂H₂₂O₂ 198 3-hexyldihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 3-heptyldihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 cis-3-ethyl-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₇H₁₂O₂ 128 cis-(3-propyl-5-methyl)- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₈H₁₄O₂ 142 cis-(3-butyl-5-methyl)- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₉H₁₆O₂ 156 cis-(3-pentyl-5-methyl)- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 cis-3-hexyl-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 cis-3-heptyl-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₂H₂₂O₂ 198 cis-3-octyl-5-methyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₃H₂₄O₂ 212 cis-3-(3,5,5- trimethylhexyl)-5- methyl-dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₄H₂₆O₂ 226 cis-3-cyclohexylmethyl- 5-methyl-dihydro-furan- 2-one

C₁₂H₂₀O₂ 196 5-methyl-5-hexyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 5-methyl-5-octyl- dihydro-furan-2-one

C₁₃H₂₄O₂ 212 Hexahydro- isobenzofuran-1-one

C₈H₁₂O₂ 140 delta-decalactone

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170 delta-undecalactone

C₁₁H₂₀O₂ 184 delta-dodecalactone

C₁₂H₂₂O₂ 198 mixture of 4-hexyl- dihydrofuran-2-one and 3-hexyl-dihydro-furan- 2-one

C₁₀H₁₈O₂ 170

Lactone compatibilizers generally have a kinematic viscosity of less than about 7 centistokes at 40° C. For instance, gamma-undecalactone has kinematic viscosity of 5.4 centistokes and cis-(3-hexyl-5-methyl)dihydrofuran-2-one has viscosity of 4.5 centistokes both at 40° C. Lactone compatibilizers may be available commercially or prepared by methods as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/910,495 filed Aug. 3, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.

Aryl ether compatibilizers of the present invention further comprise aryl ethers represented by the formula R¹OR², wherein: R¹ is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein said aryl ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 150 atomic mass units. Representative R¹ aryl radicals in the general formula R¹OR² include phenyl, biphenyl, cumenyl, mesityl, tolyl, xylyl, naphthyl and pyridyl. Representative R² aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals in the general formula R¹OR² include methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl. Representative aromatic ether compatibilizers include but are not limited to: methyl phenyl ether (anisole), 1,3-dimethyoxybenzene, ethyl phenyl ether and butyl phenyl ether.

Fluoroether compatibilizers of the present invention comprise those represented by the general formula R¹OCF₂CF₂H, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms, preferably primary, linear, saturated, alkyl radicals. Representative fluoroether compatibilizers include but are not limited to: C₈H₁₇OCF₂CF₂H and C₆H₁₃OCF₂CF₂H. It should be noted that if the refrigerant is a fluoroether, then the compatibilizer may not be the same fluoroether.

Fluoroether compatibilizers may further comprise ethers derived from fluoroolefins and polyols. The fluoroolefins may be of the type CF₂═CXY, wherein X is hydrogen, chlorine or fluorine, and Y is chlorine, fluorine, CF₃ or OR_(f), wherein R_(f) is CF₃, C₂F₅, or C₃F₇. Representative fluoroolefins are tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and perfluoromethylvinyl ether. The polyols may be linear or branched. Linear polyols may be of the type HOCH₂(CHOH)_(x)(CRR′)_(y)CH₂OH, wherein R and R′ are hydrogen, or CH₃, or C₂H₅ and wherein x is an integer from 0-4, and y is an integer from 0-4. Branched polyols may be of the type C(OH)_(t)(R)_(u)(CH₂OH)_(v)[(CH₂)_(m)CH₂OH]_(w), wherein R may be hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, m may be an integer from 0 to 3, t and u may be 0 or 1, v and w are integers from 0 to 4, and also wherein t+u+v+w=4. Representative polyols are trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol, butanediol, and ethylene glycol.

1,1,1-trifluoroalkane compatibilizers of the present invention comprise 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the general formula CF₃R¹, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms, preferably primary, linear, saturated, alkyl radicals. Representative 1,1,1-trifluoroalkane compatibilizers include but are not limited to: 1,1,1-trifluorohexane and 1,1,1-trifluorododecane.

By effective amount of compatibilizer is meant that amount of compatibilizer that leads to efficient solubilizing of the lubricant in the composition and thus provides adequate oil return to optimize operation of the refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus.

The compositions of the present invention will typically contain from about 0.1 to about 40 weight percent, preferably from about 0.2 to about 20 weight percent, and most preferably from about 0.3 to about 10 weight percent compatibilizer in the compositions of the present invention.

The present invention further relates to a method for improving oil-return to the compressor in a compression refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus, said method comprising using a composition of the present invention comprising a compatibilizer in said apparatus. The compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, dimethylether, polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, ketones, nitriles, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, hydrofluoroethers, hydrocarbon ethers and 1,1,11-trifluoroalkanes.

The present invention further relates to a method of solubilizing a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition comprising the compositions of the present invention in a refrigeration lubricant selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, alkylbenzenes, synthetic paraffins, synthetic napthenes, and poly(alpha)olefins, wherein said method comprises contacting said lubricant with said composition in the presence of an effective amount of a compatibilizer, wherein said compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes.

The compositions of the present invention may further comprise an ultra-violet (UV) dye and optionally a solubilizing agent. The UV dye is a useful component for detecting leaks of the composition by permitting one to observe the fluorescence of the dye in the composition at a leak point or in the vicinity of refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. One may observe the fluoroscence of the dye under an ultra-violet light. Solubilizing agents may be needed due to poor solubility of such UV dyes in some compositions.

By “ultra-violet” dye is meant a UV fluorescent composition that absorbs light in the ultra-violet or “near” ultra-violet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The fluorescence produced by the UV fluorescent dye under illumination by a UV light that emits radiation with wavelength anywhere from 10 nanometer to 750 nanometer may be detected. Therefore, if a composition containing such a UV fluorescent dye is leaking from a given point in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, the fluorescence can be detected at the leak point. Such UV fluorescent dyes include but are not limited to naphthalimides, perylenes, coumarins, anthracenes, phenanthracenes, xanthenes, thioxanthenes, naphthoxanthenes, fluoresceins, and derivatives or combinations thereof.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting the composition of the present invention comprising the dye as described in the previous sentence in a compression refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump apparatus. This method comprises providing the composition to the apparatus and providing a suitable means for detecting this composition at a leak point or in the vicinity of the apparatus.

Solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon ethers, dimethylether, polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes. The polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes solubilizing agents have been defined previously herein as being compatibilizers for use with conventional refrigeration lubricants.

Hydrocarbon solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise hydrocarbons including straight chained, branched chain or cyclic alkanes or alkenes containing 5 or fewer carbon atoms and only hydrogen with no other functional groups. Representative hydrocarbon solubilizing agents comprise propane, propylene, cyclopropane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane and n-pentane. It should be noted that if the composition contains a hydrocarbon, then the solubilizing agent may not be the same hydrocarbon.

Hydrocarbon ether solubilizing agents of the present invention comprise ethers containing only carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, such as dimethyl ether (DME).

Solubilizing agents of the present invention may be present as a single compound, or may be present as a mixture of more than one solubilizing agent. Mixtures of solubilizing agents may contain two solubilizing agents from the same class of compounds, say two lactones, or two solubilizing agents from two different classes, such as a lactone and a polyoxyalkylene glycol ether.

In the present compositions comprising refrigerant and UV fluorescent dye, or comprising heat transfer fluid and UV fluorescent dye, from about 0.001 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent of the composition is UV dye, preferably from about 0.005 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent, and most preferably from 0.01 weight percent to about 0.25 weight percent.

Solubilizing agents such as ketones may have an objectionable odor, which can be masked by addition of an odor masking agent or fragrance. Typical examples of odor masking agents or fragrances may include Evergreen, Fresh Lemon, Chemy, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Floral or Orange Peel all commercially available, as well as d-limonene and pinene. Such odor masking agents may be used at concentrations of from about 0.001% to as much as about 15% by weight based on the combined weight of odor masking agent and solubilizing agent.

Solubility of these UV fluorescent dyes in the compositions of the present invention may be poor. Therefore, methods for introducing these dyes into the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus have been awkward, costly and time consuming. U.S. Pat. No. RE 36,951 describes a method, which utilizes a dye powder, solid pellet or slurry of dye that may be inserted into a component of the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. As refrigerant and lubricant are circulated through the apparatus, the dye is dissolved or dispersed and carried throughout the apparatus. Numerous other methods for introducing dye into a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus are described in the literature.

Ideally, the UV fluorescent dye could be dissolved in the refrigerant itself thereby not requiring any specialized method for introduction to the refrigeration, air conditioning apparatus, or heat pump. The present invention relates to compositions including UV fluorescent dye, which may be introduced into the system as a solution in the refrigerant. The inventive compositions will allow the storage and transport of dye-containing compositions even at low temperatures while maintaining the dye in solution.

In the present compositions comprising refrigerant, UV fluorescent dye and solubilizing agent, or comprising heat transfer fluid and UV fluorescent dye and solubilizing agent, from about 1 to about 50 weight percent, preferably from about 2 to about 25 weight percent, and most preferably from about 5 to about 15 weight percent of the combined composition is solubilizing agent. In the compositions of the present invention the UV fluorescent dye is present in a concentration from about 0.001 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent, preferably from 0.005 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent, and most preferably from 0.01 weight percent to about 0.25 weight percent.

The present invention further relates to a method of using the compositions further comprising ultraviolet fluorescent dye, and optionally, solubilizing agent, in refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. The method comprises introducing the composition into the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. This may be done by dissolving the UV fluorescent dye in the composition in the presence of a solubilizing agent and introducing the combination into the apparatus. Alternatively, this may be done by combining solubilizing agent and UV fluorescent dye and introducing said combination into refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus containing refrigerant and/or heat transfer fluid. The resulting composition may be used in the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus.

The present invention further relates to a method of using the compositions comprising ultraviolet fluorescent dye to detect leaks. The presence of the dye in the compositions allows for detection of leaking refrigerant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus. Leak detection helps to address, resolve or prevent inefficient operation of the apparatus or system or equipment failure. Leak detection also helps one contain chemicals used in the operation of the apparatus.

The method comprises providing the composition according to the present invention comprising refrigerant, ultra-violet fluorescent dye, as described herein, and optionally, a solubilizing agent as described herein, to refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus and employing a suitable means for detecting the UV fluorescent dye-containing refrigerant at a leak point or in the vicinity of the apparatus. Suitable means for detecting the dye include, but are not limited to, ultra-violet lamps, often referred to as a “black light” or “blue light”. Such ultra-violet lamps are commercially available from numerous sources specifically designed for this purpose. Once the ultra-violet fluorescent dye containing composition has been introduced to the refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus and has been allowed to circulate throughout the system, a leak can be found by shining said ultra-violet lamp on the apparatus and observing the fluorescence of the dye in the vicinity of any leak point.

The present invention further relates to a method for replacing a high GWP refrigerant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R410A, R407c, R417A, R422A, R422B, R422c and R422D, R507A, and R404A, said method comprising providing a composition of the present invention to said refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or is designed to use said high GWP refrigerant.

In a particular embodiment of the method as described in the paragraph above the high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R123, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R12, R410A, R407c, R417A, R422A, R422B, R422c and R422D, R507A, R502, and R404A as described above. The method further comprises providing a composition to said refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or designed to use said high GWP refrigerant, wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of: about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1234yf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-134a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-227ea; and about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent CF₃I.

Vapor-compression refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump systems include an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion device. A vapor-compression cycle re-uses refrigerant in multiple steps producing a cooling effect in one step and a heating effect in a different step. The cycle can be described simply as follows. Liquid refrigerant enters an evaporator through an expansion device, and the liquid refrigerant boils in the evaporator at a low temperature to form a gas and produce cooling. The low-pressure gas enters a compressor where the gas is compressed to raise its pressure and temperature. The higher-pressure (compressed) gaseous refrigerant then enters the condenser in which the refrigerant condenses and discharges its heat to the environment. The refrigerant returns to the expansion device through which the liquid expands from the higher-pressure level in the condenser to the low-pressure level in the evaporator, thus repeating the cycle.

According to the present invention, there is provided a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus containing a composition of the present invention. In particular, the refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus may be a mobile apparatus.

As used herein, mobile refrigeration apparatus or mobile air-conditioning apparatus refers to any refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus incorporated into a transportation unit for the road, rail, sea or air. In addition, apparatus, which are meant to provide refrigeration or air-conditioning for a system independent of any moving carrier, known as “intermodal” systems, are included in the present invention. Such intermodal systems include “containers” (combined sea/land transport) as well as “swap bodies” (combined road and rail transport). The present invention is particularly useful for road transport refrigerating or air-conditioning apparatus, such as automobile air-conditioning apparatus or refrigerated road transport equipment.

The compositions of the present invention may also be useful in stationary air-conditioning and heat pumps, e.g. chillers, high temperature heat pumps, residential and light commercial and commercial air-conditioning systems. In stationary refrigeration applications, the present compositions may be useful in equipment such as domestic refrigerators, ice machines, walk-in and reach-in coolers and freezers, and supermarket systems.

The present invention further relates to a method of producing cooling comprising evaporating any of the compositions of the present invention in the vicinity of a body to be cooled, and thereafter condensing said composition.

The present invention further relates to a method of producing heat comprising condensing any of the compositions of the present invention in the vicinity of a body to be heated, and thereafter evaporating said compositions.

The present invention further relates to a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus containing a composition of the present invention wherein said composition comprises at least one fluoroolefin.

The present invention further relates to a mobile air-conditioning apparatus containing a composition of the present invention wherein said composition comprises at least one fluoroolefin.

The present invention further relates to a method for early detection of a refrigerant leak in a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus. The method comprising using a non-azeotropic composition in said apparatus, and monitoring for a reduction in cooling performance. The non-azeotropic compositions will fractionate upon leakage from a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus and the lower boiling (higher vapor pressure) component will leak out of the apparatus first. When this occurs, if the lower boiling component in that composition provides the majority of the refrigeration capacity, there will be a marked reduction in the capacity and thus performance of the apparatus. In an automobile air-conditioning system, as an example, the passengers in the automobile will detect a reduction in the cooling capability of the system. This reduction in cooling capability can be interpreted to mean that refrigerant is being leaked and that the system requires repair.

The present invention further relates to a method of using the composition of the present invention as a heat transfer fluid composition. The method comprises transporting said composition from a heat source to a heat sink.

Heat transfer fluids are utilized to transfer, move or remove heat from one space, location, object or body to a different space, location, object or body by radiation, conduction, or convection. A heat transfer fluid may function as a secondary coolant by providing means of transfer for cooling (or heating) from a remote refrigeration (or heating) system. In some systems, the heat transfer fluid may remain in a constant state throughout the transfer process (i.e., not evaporate or condense). Alternatively, evaporative cooling processes may utilize heat transfer fluids as well.

A heat source may be defined as any space, location, object or body from which it is desirable to transfer, move or remove heat. Examples of heat sources may be spaces (open or enclosed) requiring refrigeration or cooling, such as refrigerator or freezer cases in a supermarket, building spaces requiring air-conditioning, or the passenger compartment of an automobile requiring air-conditioning. A heat sink may be defined as any space, location, object or body capable of absorbing heat. A vapor compression refrigeration system is one example of such a heat sink.

In certain embodiments, particular combinations of the components described above may be used, and in particular weight percentages. The following compositions are meant to be exemplary of such embodiments, without limiting the scope of the compositions of the present invention to the following.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising: at least one lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyol esters, polyalkylene glycol, polyvinyl ethers, mineral oils, alkylbenzenes, synthetic paraffins, synthetic napthenes, and poly(alpha)olefins; and a composition selected from the group consisting of: about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1234yf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-134a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-227ea; and about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent CF₃I.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising: a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition selected from the group consisting of: about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1234yf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-134a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-227ea; and about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent CF₃I. The composition also comprises a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of: i) polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y), wherein: x is an integer from 1 to 3; y is an integer from 1 to 4; R¹ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R³ is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at least one of R¹ and R³ is selected from said hydrocarbon radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; ii) amides represented by the formulae R¹C(O)NR²R³ and cyclo-[R⁴CON(R⁵)-], wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and at most one aromatic radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁴ is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said amides have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; iii) ketones represented by the formula R¹C(O)R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight of from about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units; iv) nitriles represented by the formula R¹CN, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said nitriles have a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200 atomic mass units; v) chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl_(x), wherein; x is 1 or 2; R is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units; vi) aryl ethers represented by the formula R¹OR², wherein: R¹ is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein said aryl ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 150 atomic mass units; vii) 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the formula CF₃R¹, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms; viii) fluoroethers represented by the formula R¹OCF₂CF₂H, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms; or wherein said fluoroethers are derived from fluoroolefins and polyols, wherein said fluoroolefins are of the type CF₂═CXY, wherein X is hydrogen, chlorine or fluorine, and Y is chlorine, fluorine, CF₃ or OR_(f), wherein R_(f) is CF₃, C₂F₅, or C₃F₇; and said polyols are linear or branched, wherein said linear polyols are of the type HOCH₂(CHOH)_(x)(CRR′)_(y)CH₂OH, wherein R and R′ are hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, x is an integer from 0-4, y is an integer from 0-3 and z is either zero or 1, and said branched polyols are of the type C(OH)_(t)(R)_(u)(CH₂OH)_(v)[(CH₂)_(m)CH₂OH]_(w), wherein R may be hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, m is an integer from 0 to 3, t and u are 0 or 1, v and w are integers from 0 to 4, and also wherein t+u+v+w=4; and

ix) lactones represented by structures [B], [C], and [D]:

wherein, R₁ through R₈ are independently selected from hydrogen, linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals; and the molecular weight is from about 100 to about 300 correct atomic mass units; and x) esters represented by the general formula R¹CO₂R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from linear and cyclic, saturated and unsaturated, alkyl and aryl radicals; and wherein said esters have a molecular weight of from about 80 to about 550 atomic mass units.

According to the present invention, there is provided a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus containing a composition as described in the paragraph above. In particular, the refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus may be a mobile apparatus.

Further in accordance with this particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for improving oil-return to a compressor in a compression refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus. The method comprises using the composition as described in the paragraph above in the compression refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising (a) at least one ultra-violet fluorescent dye selected from the group consisting of naphthalimides, perylenes, coumarins, anthracenes, phenanthracenes, xanthenes, thioxanthenes, naphthoxanthenes, fluoresceins, derivatives of said dye and combinations thereof; and (b) a composition selected from the group consisting of: about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1234yf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-134a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-227ea; and about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent CF₃I.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting the composition comprising the dye as described in the previous paragraph in a compression refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump apparatus. This method comprises providing the composition to the apparatus and providing a suitable means for detecting this composition at a leak point or in the vicinity of the apparatus.

According to the present invention, there is provided a refrigeration, air-conditioning or heat pump apparatus containing a composition as described two paragraphs above. In particular, the refrigeration or air-conditioning apparatus may be a mobile apparatus.

Further in accordance with this particular embodiment, the composition including (a) and (b) described three paragraphs above further includes a solubilizing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, dimethylether, polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, ketones, nitriles, chlorocarbons, esters, lactones, aryl ethers, hydrofluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting the composition comprising the dye as described in the previous paragraph in a compression refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump apparatus. This method comprises providing the composition to the apparatus and providing a suitable means for detecting this composition at a leak point or in the vicinity of the apparatus.

The solubilizing agent of the composition described in the paragraph above is selected from the group consisting of: i) polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y), wherein: x is an integer from 1 to 3; y is an integer from 1 to 4; R¹ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R³ is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at least one of R¹ and R³ is selected from said hydrocarbon radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; ii) amides represented by the formulae R¹C(O)NR²R³ and cyclo-[R⁴CON(R⁵)—], wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and at most one aromatic radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁴ is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said amides have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; iii) ketones represented by the formula R¹C(O)R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight of from about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units; iv) nitriles represented by the formula R¹CN, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said nitriles have a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200 atomic mass units; v) chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl_(x), wherein; x is 1 or 2; R is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units; vi) aryl ethers represented by the formula R¹OR², wherein: R¹ is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein said aryl ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 150 atomic mass units; vii) 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the formula CF₃R¹, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms; viii) fluoroethers represented by the formula R¹OCF₂CF₂H, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms; or wherein said fluoroethers are derived from fluoroolefins and polyols, wherein said fluoroolefins are of the type CF₂═CXY, wherein X is hydrogen, chlorine or fluorine, and Y is chlorine, fluorine, CF₃ or OR_(f), wherein R_(f) is CF₃, C₂F₅, or C₃F₇; and said polyols are linear or branched, wherein said linear polyols are of the type HOCH₂(CHOH)_(x)(CRR′)_(y)CH₂OH, wherein R and R′ are hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, x is an integer from 0-4, y is an integer from 0-3 and z is either zero or 1, and said branched polyols are of the type C(OH)_(t)(R)_(u)(CH₂OH)_(v)[(CH₂)_(m)CH₂OH]_(w), wherein R may be hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, m is an integer from 0 to 3, t and u are 0 or 1, v and w are integers from 0 to 4, and also wherein t+u+v+w=4; and

ix) lactones represented by structures [B], [C], and [D]:

wherein, R₁ through R₈ are independently selected from hydrogen, linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals; and the molecular weight is from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; and x) esters represented by the general formula R¹CO₂R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from linear and cyclic, saturated and unsaturated, alkyl and aryl radicals; and wherein said esters have a molecular weight of from about 80 to about 550 atomic mass units.

The particular composition which includes a compatibilizer as described above, or which includes a dye as described above, or which includes a dye and a solubilizing agent as described above may be used in a method of producing cooling. The method of producing cooling comprises evaporating this composition in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing said composition. These particular compositions may also be used in a method of producing heat. The method of producing heat comprises condensing this composition in the vicinity of a body to be heated and thereafter evaporating said composition.

In another particular embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method of solubilizing a refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition of the present invention in a refrigeration lubricant selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, alkylbenzenes, synthetic paraffins, synthetic napthenes, and poly(alpha)olefins, wherein said method comprises contacting said lubricant with said refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition in the presence of an effective amount of a compatibilizer, wherein said compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of:

a) polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers represented by the formula R¹[(OR²)_(x)OR³]_(y), wherein: x is an integer from 1 to 3; y is an integer from 1 to 4; R¹ is selected from hydrogen and aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and y bonding sites; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms; R³ is selected from hydrogen, and aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; at least one of R¹ and R³ is selected from said hydrocarbon radicals; and wherein said polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; b) amides represented by the formulae R¹C(O)NR²R³ and cyclo-[R⁴CON(R⁵)—], wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁵ are independently selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and at most one aromatic radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R⁴ is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbylene radicals having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said amides have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; c) ketones represented by the formula R¹C(O)R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from aliphatic, alicyclic and aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said ketones have a molecular weight of from about 70 to about 300 atomic mass units; d) nitriles represented by the formula R¹CN, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic, alicyclic or aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein said nitriles have a molecular weight of from about 90 to about 200 atomic mass units; e) chlorocarbons represented by the formula RCl_(x), wherein; x is 1 or 2; R is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and wherein said chlorocarbons have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 200 atomic mass units; f) aryl ethers represented by the formula R¹OR², wherein: R¹ is selected from aryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms; R² is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and wherein said aryl ethers have a molecular weight of from about 100 to about 150 atomic mass units; g) 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes represented by the formula CF₃R¹, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms; h) fluoroethers represented by the formula R¹OCF₂CF₂H, wherein R¹ is selected from aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 5 to about 15 carbon atoms; or wherein said fluoroethers are derived from fluoro-olefins and polyols, wherein said fluoro-olefins are of the type CF₂═CXY, wherein X is hydrogen, chlorine or fluorine, and Y is chlorine, fluorine, CF₃ or OR_(f), wherein R_(f) is CF₃, C₂F₅, or C₃F₇; and said polyols are of the type HOCH₂CRR′(CH₂)_(z)(CHOH)_(x)CH₂(CH₂OH)_(y), wherein R and R′ are hydrogen, CH₃ or C₂H₅, x is an integer from 0-4, y is an integer from 0-3 and z is either zero or 1; and i) lactones represented by structures [B], [C], and [D]:

wherein, R₁ through R₈ are independently selected from hydrogen, linear, branched, cyclic, bicyclic, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbyl radicals; and the molecular weight is from about 100 to about 300 atomic mass units; and j) esters represented by the general formula R¹CO₂R², wherein R¹ and R² are independently selected from linear and cyclic, saturated and unsaturated, alkyl and aryl radicals; and wherein said esters have a molecular weight of from about 80 to about 550 atomic mass units.

In a particular embodiment, the refrigerant or heat transfer fluid composition of the paragraph above is selected from the group consisting of: wherein said refrigerant or heat transfer fluid comprises a composition selected from the group consisting of: about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1234yf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1225ye and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-1243zf; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-134a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a; about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-227ea; and about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trans-HFC-1234ze and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent CF₃I.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to blowing agent compositions comprising the fluoroolefin-containing compositions of the present invention as described herein for use in preparing foams. In other embodiments the invention provides foamable compositions, and preferably polyurethane and polyisocyanate foam compositions, and method of preparing foams. In such foam embodiments, one or more of the present fluoroolefin-containing compositions are included as a blowing agent in foamable compositions, which composition preferably includes one or more additional components capable of reacting and foaming under the proper conditions to form a foam or cellular structure. Any of the methods well known in the art, such as those described in “Polyurethanes Chemistry and Technology,” Volumes I and II, Saunders and Frisch, 1962, John Wiley and Sons, New York, N.Y., which is incorporated herein by reference, may be used or adapted for use in accordance with the foam embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention further relates to a method of forming a foam comprising: (a) adding to a foamable composition a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present invention; and (b) reacting the foamable composition under conditions effective to form a foam.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of the fluoroolefin-containing compositions as described herein for use as propellants in sprayable compositions. Additionally, the present invention relates to a sprayable composition comprising the fluoroolefin-containing compositions as described herein. The active ingredient to be sprayed together with inert ingredients, solvents and other materials may also be present in a sprayable composition. Preferably, the sprayable composition is an aerosol. Suitable active materials to be sprayed include, without limitations, cosmetic materials, such as deodorants, perfumes, hair sprays, cleaners, and polishing agents as well as medicinal materials such as anti-asthma and anti-halitosis medications.

The present invention further relates to a process for producing aerosol products comprising the step of adding a fluoroolefin-containing composition as described herein to active ingredients in an aerosol container, wherein said composition functions as a propellant.

A further aspect provides methods of suppressing a flame, said methods comprising contacting a flame with a fluid comprising a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure. Any suitable methods for contacting the flame with the present composition may be used. For example, a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure may be sprayed, poured, and the like onto the flame, or at least a portion of the flame may be immersed in the flame suppression composition. In light of the teachings herein, those of skill in the art will be readily able to adapt a variety of conventional apparatus and methods of flame suppression for use in the present disclosure.

A further embodiment provides methods of extinguishing or suppressing a fire in a total-flood application comprising providing an agent comprising a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure; disposing the agent in a pressurized discharge system; and discharging the agent into an area to extinguish or suppress fires in that area.

Another embodiment provides methods of inerting an area to prevent a fire or explosion comprising providing an agent comprising a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure; disposing the agent in a pressurized discharge system; and discharging the agent into the area to prevent a fire or explosion from occurring.

The term “extinguishment” is usually used to denote complete elimination of a fire; whereas, “suppression” is often used to denote reduction, but not necessarily total elimination, of a fire or explosion. As used herein, terms “extinguishment” and “suppression” will be used interchangeably. There are four general types of halocarbon fire and explosion protection applications. (1) In total-flood fire extinguishment and/or suppression applications, the agent is discharged into a space to achieve a concentration sufficient to extinguish or suppress an existing fire. Total flooding use includes protection of enclosed, potentially occupied spaces such, as computer rooms as well as specialized, often unoccupied spaces such as aircraft engine nacelles and engine compartments in vehicles. (2) In streaming applications, the agent is applied directly onto a fire or into the region of a fire. This is usually accomplished using manually operated wheeled or portable units. A second method, included as a streaming application, uses a “localized” system, which discharges agent toward a fire from one or more fixed nozzles. Localized systems may be activated either manually or automatically. (3) In explosion suppression, a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure is discharged to suppress an explosion that has already been initiated. The term “suppression” is normally used in this application because the explosion is usually self-limiting. However, the use of this term does not necessarily imply that the explosion is not extinguished by the agent. In this application, a detector is usually used to detect an expanding fireball from an explosion, and the agent is discharged rapidly to suppress the explosion. Explosion suppression is used primarily, but not solely, in defense applications. (4) In inertion, a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure is discharged into a space to prevent an explosion or a fire from being initiated. Often, a system similar or identical to that used for total-flood fire extinguishment or suppression is used. Usually, the presence of a dangerous condition (for example, dangerous concentrations of flammable or explosive gases) is detected, and the fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure is then discharged to prevent the explosion or fire from occurring until the condition can be remedied.

The extinguishing method can be carried out by introducing the composition into an enclosed area surrounding a fire. Any of the known methods of introduction can be utilized provided that appropriate quantities of the composition are metered into the enclosed area at appropriate intervals. For example, a composition can be introduced by streaming, e.g., using conventional portable (or fixed) fire extinguishing equipment; by misting; or by flooding, e.g., by releasing (using appropriate piping, valves, and controls) the composition into an enclosed area surrounding a fire. The composition can optionally be combined with an inert propellant, e.g., nitrogen, argon, decomposition products of glycidyl azide polymers or carbon dioxide, to increase the rate of discharge of the composition from the streaming or flooding equipment utilized.

Preferably, the extinguishing process involves introducing a fluoroolefin-containing composition of the present disclosure to a fire or flame in an amount sufficient to extinguish the fire or flame. One skilled in this field will recognize that the amount of flame suppressant needed to extinguish a particular fire will depend upon the nature and extent of the hazard. When the flame suppressant is to be introduced by flooding, cup burner test data is useful in determining the amount or concentration of flame suppressant required to extinguish a particular type and size of fire.

Laboratory tests useful for determining effective concentration ranges of fluoroolefin-containing compositions when used in conjunction with extinguishing or suppressing a fire in a total-flood application or fire inertion are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,430.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Impact of Vapor Leakage

A vessel is charged with an initial composition at a temperature of either −25° C. or if specified, at 25° C., and the initial vapor pressure of the composition is measured. The composition is allowed to leak from the vessel, while the temperature is held constant, until 50 weight percent of the initial composition is removed, at which time the vapor pressure of the composition remaining in the vessel is measured. Results are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 After After 50% 50% Composition Initial P Initial P Leak Leak Delta P wt % (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (%) HFC-1234yf/HFC-32  7.4/92.6 49.2 339 49.2 339 0.0%  1/99 49.2 339 49.2 339 0.0% 20/80 49.0 338 48.8 337 0.3% 40/60 47.5 327 47.0 324 1.0% 57/43 44.9 309 40.5 280 9.6% 58/42 44.6 308 40.1 276 10.2% HFC-1234yf/HFC-125 10.9/89.1 40.8 281 40.8 281 0.0%  1/99 40.3 278 40.2 277 0.0% 20/80 40.5 279 40.3 278 0.4% 40/60 38.7 267 37.0 255 4.4% 50/50 37.4 258 34.0 235 9.0% 51/49 37.3 257 33.7 232 9.6% 52/48 37.1 256 33.3 229 10.3% HFC-1234yf/HFC-134  1/99 11.7 81 11.6 80 0.7% 10/90 12.8 88 12.2 84 4.5% 20/80 13.7 95 13.0 89 5.6% 40/60 15.2 105 14.6 101 4.1% 60/40 16.3 113 16.0 110 2.0% 80/20 17.2 119 17.1 118 0.6% 90/10 17.6 121 17.5 121 0.2% 99/1  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.0% HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a 70.4/29.6 18.4 127 18.4 127 0.0% 80/20 18.3 126 18.3 126 0.1% 90/10 18.2 125 18.1 125 0.1% 99/1  17.9 123 17.9 123 0.1% 40/60 17.9 123 17.8 123 0.7% 20/80 17.0 117 16.7 115 1.7% 10/90 16.4 113 16.1 111 1.5%  1/99 15.6 107 15.6 107 0.3% HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a 91.0/9.0  17.9 123 17.9 123 0.0% 99/1  17.9 123 17.8 123 0.1% 60/40 17.4 120 17.2 119 0.7% 40/60 16.6 115 16.4 113 1.6% 20/80 15.7 108 15.4 106 2.0% 10/90 15.1 104 14.9 103 1.5%  1/99 14.6 100 14.5 100 0.2% HFC-1234yf/HFC-161  1/99 25.3 174 25.3 174 0.0% 10/90 25.2 174 25.2 174 0.1% 20/80 24.9 172 24.8 171 0.8% 40/60 23.8 164 23.2 160 2.6% 60/40 22.0 152 21.3 147 3.2% 80/20 19.8 137 19.5 134 1.9% 90/10 18.8 129 18.6 128 0.9% 99/1  17.9 123 17.9 123 0.1% HFC-1234yf/FC-143a 17.3/82.7 39.5 272 39.5 272 0.0% 10/90 39.3 271 39.3 271 0.1%  1/99 38.7 267 38.6 266 0.1% 40/60 38.5 266 37.8 260 1.9% 60/40 36.3 250 32.8 226 9.5% 61/39 36.1 249 32.4 223 10.2% HFC-1234yf/HFC-227ea 84.6/15.4 18.0 124 18.0 124 0.0% 90/10 18.0 124 18.0 124 0.0% 99/1  17.9 123 17.9 123 0.0% 60/40 17.6 121 17.4 120 1.2% 40/60 16.7 115 15.8 109 5.4% 29/71 15.8 109 14.2 98 9.7% 28/72 15.7 108 14.1 97 10.2% HFC-1234yf/HFC-236fa 99/1  17.8 122 17.7 122 0.2% 90/10 17.0 117 16.6 115 2.4% 80/20 16.2 112 15.4 106 5.1% 70/30 15.3 106 14.0 97 8.5% 66/34 15.0 103 13.5 93 10.0% HFC-1234yf/HFC-1225ye  1/99 11.6 80 11.5 79 0.5% 10/90 12.6 87 12.2 84 3.2% 20/80 13.5 93 12.9 89 4.3% 40/60 15.0 103 14.4 99 3.7% 60/40 16.2 111 15.8 109 2.2% 80/20 17.1 118 16.9 117 0.9% 90/10 17.5 120 17.4 120 0.3% 99/1  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.0% HFC-1234yf/trans-HFC-1234ze  1/99 11.3 78 11.3 78 0.4% 10/90 12.2 84 11.8 81 3.3% 20/80 13.1 90 12.5 86 4.6% 40/60 14.6 101 14.0 96 4.3% 60/40 15.8 109 15.4 106 2.7% 80/20 16.9 117 16.7 115 1.1% 90/10 17.4 120 17.3 119 0.5% 99/1  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.1% HFC-1234yf/HFC-1243zf  1/99 13.1 90 13.0 90 0.2% 10/90 13.7 94 13.5 93 1.6% 20/80 14.3 99 14.0 97 2.4% 40/60 15.5 107 15.1 104 2.2% 60/40 16.4 113 16.2 112 1.4% 80/20 17.2 119 17.1 118 0.5% 90/10 17.5 121 17.5 121 0.2% 99/1  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.0% HFC-1234yf/propane 51.5/48.5 33.5 231 33.5 231 0.0% 60/40 33.4 230 33.3 229 0.4% 80/20 31.8 220 29.0 200 8.9% 81/19 31.7 218 28.5 196 10.0% 40/60 33.3 230 33.1 228 0.6% 20/80 32.1 221 31.2 215 2.9% 10/90 31.0 214 30.2 208 2.6%  1/99 29.6 204 29.5 203 0.4% HFC-1234yf/n-butane 98.1/1.9  17.9 123 17.9 123 0.0% 99/1  17.9 123 17.9 123 0.0% 100/0  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.0% 80/20 16.9 116 16.1 111 4.4% 70/30 16.2 112 14.4 99 10.8% 71/29 16.3 112 14.6 101 9.9% HFC-1234yf/isobutane 88.1/11.9 19.0 131 19.0 131 0.0% 95/5  18.7 129 18.6 128 0.7% 99/1  18.1 125 18.0 124 0.6% 60/40 17.9 123 16.0 110 10.3% 61/39 17.9 123 16.2 112 9.4% HFC-1234yf/DME 53.5/46.5 13.1 90 13.1 90 0.0% 40/60 13.3 92 13.2 91 0.7% 20/80 14.1 97 13.9 96 1.3% 10/90 14.3 99 14.3 98 0.5%  1/99 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.0% 80/20 14.5 100 14.0 96 3.3% 90/10 15.8 109 15.3 105 3.5% 99/1  17.6 121 17.5 121 0.6% HFC-1234yf/CF₃SCF₃  1/99 12.1 83 12.0 83 0.2% 10/90 12.9 89 12.7 87 2.0% 20/80 13.8 95 13.4 92 2.8% 40/60 15.1 104 14.7 101 2.7% 60/40 16.2 112 15.9 110 1.9% 80/20 17.1 118 16.9 117 0.9% 90/10 17.5 120 17.4 120 0.5% 99/1  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.0% HFC-1234yf/CF₃I  1/99 12.0 83 12.0 83 0.2% 10/90 12.9 89 12.7 87 1.7% 20/80 13.7 94 13.3 92 2.6% 40/60 15.1 104 14.7 101 2.7% 60/40 16.2 111 15.8 109 2.0% 80/20 17.1 118 16.9 116 1.1% 90/10 17.5 120 17.4 120 0.5% 99/1  17.8 123 17.8 123 0.1% HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/isobutane (25° C.) 85.1/11.5/3.4 201.3 1388 201.3 1388 0.0% HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/n-butane (25° C.) 67/32/1 194.4 1340 190.2 1311 2.2% HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf (25° C.) 40/50/10 240.6 1659 239.3 1650 0.5% 23/25/52 212.6 1466 192.9 1330 9.3% 15/45/40 213.2 1470 201.3 1388 5.6% 10/60/30 213.0 1469 206.0 1420 3.3% HFC-1225ye/trans-HFC-1234ze 63.0/37.0 11.7 81 11.7 81 0.0% 80/20 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.0% 90/10 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.1% 99/1  11.5 79 11.5 79 0.0% 60/40 11.7 81 11.7 81 0.0% 40/60 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.1% 20/80 11.5 79 11.4 79 0.2% 10/90 11.3 78 11.3 78 0.1%  1/99 11.2 77 11.2 77 0.1% HFC-1225ye/HFC-1243zf 40.0/60.0 13.6 94 13.6 94 0.0% 20/80 13.4 93 13.4 92 0.1% 10/90 13.2 91 13.2 91 0.2%  1/99 13.0 90 13.0 90 0.0% 60/40 13.4 92 13.4 92 0.4% 80/20 12.8 88 12.6 87 1.4% 90/10 12.3 85 12.1 83 1.5% 99/1  11.6 80 11.5 79 0.3% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134 52.2/47.8 12.8 88 12.8 88 0.0% 80/20 12.4 85 12.3 85 0.6% 90/10 12.0 83 11.9 82 0.8% 99/1  11.5 79 11.5 79 0.2% 40/60 12.7 88 12.7 87 0.2% 20/80 12.3 85 12.2 84 0.8% 10/90 12.0 83 11.9 82 0.9%  1/99 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.2% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a  1/99 15.5 107 15.5 107 0.0% 10/90 15.2 105 15.2 105 0.3% 20/80 15.0 103 14.9 103 0.5% 40/60 14.4 99 14.2 98 1.0% 60/40 13.6 94 13.4 93 1.4% 80/20 12.7 88 12.5 86 1.6% 90/10 12.2 84 12.0 83 1.3% 99/1  11.5 80 11.5 79 0.2% HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a  7.3/92.7 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.0%  1/99 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.0% 40/60 14.2 98 14.2 98 0.4% 60/40 13.7 95 13.6 93 1.1% 80/20 12.9 89 12.7 87 1.5% 90/10 12.2 84 12.1 83 1.1% 99/1  11.5 80 11.5 79 0.1% HFC-1225ye/HFC-161  1/99 25.2 174 25.2 174 0.0% 10/90 24.9 172 24.8 171 0.6% 20/80 24.5 169 24.0 165 2.0% 40/60 22.9 158 21.4 148 6.5% 56/44 20.9 144 18.8 130 10.0% 99/1  11.7 81 11.6 80 1.0% 90/10 14.1 97 13.0 90 7.5% 84/16 15.5 107 14.0 96 9.9% 83/17 15.8 109 14.2 98 10.2% HFC-1225ye/HFC-227ea  1/99 10.0 69 10.0 69 0.0% 10/90 10.1 70 10.1 70 0.2% 20/80 10.3 71 10.3 71 0.2% 40/60 10.6 73 10.6 73 0.4% 60/40 10.9 75 10.9 75 0.4% 80/20 11.2 77 11.2 77 0.3% 90/10 11.3 78 11.3 78 0.1% 99/1  11.5 79 11.5 79 0.0% HFC-1225ye/HFC-236ea 99/1  11.4 79 11.4 79 0.0% 90/10 11.3 78 11.2 77 0.5% 80/20 11.0 75 10.7 74 2.0% 60/40 10.2 70 9.4 65 8.3% 57/43 10.1 69 9.1 63 9.9% 56/44 10.0 69 9.0 62 10.6% HFC-1225ye/HFC-236fa 99/1  11.4 79 11.4 79 0.1% 90/10 11.1 77 11.0 76 1.1% 80/20 10.7 74 10.4 72 2.4% 60/40 9.8 68 9.2 63 6.6% 48/52 9.2 63 8.2 57 10.0% HFC-1225ye/HFC-245fa 99/1  11.4 79 11.4 78 0.3% 90/10 10.9 75 10.6 73 2.5% 80/20 10.4 72 9.8 68 5.7% 70/30 9.9 68 8.9 61 9.9% 69/21 9.8 68 8.8 60 10.5% HFC-1225ye/propane 29.7/70.3 30.4 209 30.4 209 0.0% 20/80 30.3 209 30.2 208 0.2% 10/90 30.0 207 29.9 206 0.4%  1/99 29.5 203 29.5 203 0.1% 60/40 29.5 203 28.5 197 3.3% 72/28 28.4 195 25.6 176 9.8% 73/27 28.2 195 25.2 174 10.8% HFC-1225ye/n-butane 89.5/10.5 12.3 85 12.3 85 0.0% 99/1  11.7 81 11.6 80 0.9% 80/20 12.2 84 12.0 83 1.5% 65/35 11.7 80 10.5 72 9.9% 64/36 11.6 80 10.4 71 10.9% HFC-1225ye/isobutane 79.3/20.7 13.9 96 13.9 96 0.0% 90/10 13.6 94 13.3 92 2.4% 99/1  11.9 82 11.6 80 2.8% 60/40 13.5 93 13.0 89 4.1% 50/50 13.1 91 11.9 82 9.6% 49/51 13.1 90 11.8 81 10.2% HFC-1225ye/DME 82.1/17.9 10.8 74 10.8 74 0.0% 90/10 10.9 75 10.9 75 0.3% 99/1  11.4 78 11.4 78 0.2% 60/40 11.5 79 11.2 77 2.4% 40/60 12.8 88 12.1 84 4.8% 20/80 13.9 96 13.5 93 3.0% 10/90 14.3 98 14.1 97 1.1%  1/99 14.5 100 14.4 100 0.1% HFC-1225ye/CF₃I  1/99 11.9 82 11.9 82 0.0% 10/90 11.9 82 11.8 82 0.1% 20/80 11.8 81 11.8 81 0.0% 40/60 11.7 80 11.7 80 0.0% 60/40 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.0% 80/20 11.5 79 11.5 79 0.0% 90/10 11.5 79 11.5 79 0.0% 99/1  11.5 79 11.5 79 0.0% HFC-1225ye/CF₃SCF₃ 37.0/63.0 12.4 86 12.4 86 0.0% 20/80 12.3 85 12.3 85 0.1% 10/90 12.2 84 12.2 84 0.1%  1/99 12.0 83 12.0 83 0.1% 60/40 12.3 85 12.3 85 0.2% 80/20 12.0 83 11.9 82 0.4% 90/10 11.7 81 11.7 81 0.3% 99/1  11.5 79 11.5 79 0.1% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-152a (25° C.) 76/9/15 81.3 561 80.5 555 1.0% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-161 (25° C.) 86/10/4 82.1 566 80.2 553 2.3% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/isobutane (25° C.) 87/10/3 83.4 575 80.3 554 3.7% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/DME (25° C.) 87/10/3 77.2 532 76.0 524 1.6% HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/isobutane (25° C.) 85/13/2 81.2 560 79.3 547 2.3% HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/DME (25° C.) 85/13/2 76.6 528 76.0 524 0.8% HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a (25° C.) 70/20/10 86.0 593 84.0 579 2.3% 20/70/10 98.2 677 97.5 672 0.7% HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a (25° C.) 70/25/5 85.1 587 83.4 575 2.0% 25/70/5 95.4 658 94.9 654 0.5% HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC-125 (25° C.) 25/71/4 105.8 729 96.3 664 9.0% 75/21/4 89.5 617 83.0 572 7.3% 75/24/1 85.3 588 82.3 567 3.5% 25/74/1 98.0 676 95.1 656 3.0% HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (25° C.) 40/40/20 87.5 603 86.0 593 1.7% 45/45/10 89.1 614 87.7 605 1.6% HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-152a/HFC-32 (25° C.) 74/8/17/1 86.1 594 81.5 562 5.3% HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/isobutane (25° C.) 85.1/11.5/3.4 186.2 1284 179.2 1236 3.8% HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye (25° C.) 30/40/30 212.7 1467 194.6 1342 8.5% trans-HFC-1234ze/cis-HFC-1234ze 99/1  11.1 77 11.1 76 0.4% 90/10 10.5 72 10.1 70 3.4% 80/20 9.8 68 9.1 63 7.1% 73/27 9.3 64 8.4 58 9.9% 72/28 9.3 64 8.3 57 10.3% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-1243zf 17.0/83.0 13.0 90 13.0 90 0.0% 10/90 13.0 90 13.0 90 0.0%  1/99 13.0 90 13.0 90 0.0% 40/60 12.9 89 12.9 89 0.1% 60/40 12.6 87 12.5 86 0.6% 80/20 12.1 83 12.0 82 0.8% 90/10 11.7 80 11.6 80 0.7% 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.1% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134 45.7/54.3 12.5 86 12.5 86 0.0% 60/40 12.4 85 12.4 85 0.2% 80/20 12.0 83 11.9 82 0.7% 90/10 11.7 80 11.6 80 0.7% 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.1% 20/80 12.2 84 12.2 84 0.4% 10/90 11.9 82 11.9 82 0.6%  1/99 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.1% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134a  9.5/90.5 15.5 107 15.5 107 0.0%  1/99 15.5 107 15.5 107 0.0% 40/60 15.1 104 15.0 103 0.9% 60/40 14.3 99 14.0 96 2.5% 80/20 13.1 90 12.6 87 4.0% 90/10 12.3 85 11.9 82 3.3% 99/1  11.3 78 11.3 78 0.5% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-152a 21.6/78.4 14.6 101 14.6 101 0.0% 10/90 14.6 101 14.6 101 0.0%  1/99 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.0% 40/60 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.1% 60/40 14.1 97 13.9 96 1.1% 80/20 13.2 91 12.8 88 2.5% 90/10 12.4 85 12.0 83 2.6% 99/1  11.3 78 11.3 78 0.4% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-161  1/99 25.2 174 25.2 174 0.0% 10/90 25.0 172 24.8 171 0.6% 20/80 24.5 169 24.0 165 2.1% 40/60 22.8 157 21.2 146 7.0% 52/48 21.3 147 19.2 132 9.9% 53/47 21.2 146 19.0 131 10.2% 99/1  11.5 79 11.3 78 1.2% 90/10 13.8 95 12.6 87 8.6% 88/12 14.3 99 12.9 89 9.5% 87/13 14.5 100 13.1 90 10.0% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-227ea 59.2/40.8 11.7 81 11.7 81 0.0% 40/60 11.6 80 11.5 79 0.3% 20/80 11.1 76 10.9 75 1.3% 10/90 10.6 73 10.5 72 1.3%  1/99 10.0 69 10.0 69 0.2% 80/20 11.6 80 11.5 80 0.2% 90/10 11.4 79 11.4 78 0.3% 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.0% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-236ea 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.0% 90/10 11.0 76 11.0 76 0.4% 80/20 10.8 75 10.6 73 1.6% 60/40 10.2 70 9.5 66 6.6% 54/46 9.9 69 9.0 62 9.5% 53/47 9.9 68 8.9 61 10.1% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-236fa 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.1% 90/10 10.9 75 10.8 75 0.8% 80/20 10.6 73 10.4 71 2.0% 60/40 9.8 67 9.3 64 5.4% 44/56 9.0 62 8.1 56 9.7% 43/57 8.9 62 8.0 55 10.1% trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-245fa 99/1  11.2 77 11.1 77 0.2% 90/10 10.7 74 10.5 73 2.0% 80/20 10.3 71 9.8 68 4.7% 70/30 9.8 68 9.0 62 8.2% 67/33 9.7 67 8.7 60 9.7% 66/34 9.6 66 8.7 60 10.2% trans-HFC-1234ze/propane 28.5/71.5 30.3 209 30.3 209 0.0% 10/90 30.0 206 29.9 206 0.3%  1/99 29.5 203 29.5 203 0.1% 40/60 30.2 208 30.1 207 0.4% 60/40 29.3 202 28.3 195 3.4% 71/29 28.4 196 25.7 177 9.3% 72/28 28.3 195 25.4 175 10.2% trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane 88.6/11.4 11.9 82 11.9 82 0.0% 95/5  11.7 81 11.7 80 0.7% 99/1  11.4 78 11.3 78 0.6% 70/30 11.5 79 11.0 76 4.2% 62/38 11.2 77 10.2 70 9.3% 61/39 11.2 77 10.0 69 10.1% trans-HFC-1234ze/isobutane 77.9/22.1 12.9 89 12.9 89 0.0% 90/10 12.6 87 12.4 85 1.6% 99/1  11.4 79 11.3 78 1.1% 60/40 12.6 87 12.3 85 2.4% 39/61 11.7 81 10.6 73 9.8% 38/62 11.7 81 10.5 72 10.1% trans-HFC-1234ze/DME 84.1/15.9 10.8 74 10.8 74 0.0% 90/10 10.8 75 10.8 75 0.0% 99/1  11.1 77 11.1 77 0.0% 60/40 11.5 79 11.3 78 2.2% 40/60 12.7 88 12.2 84 4.4% 20/80 13.9 96 13.5 93 2.9% 10/90 14.3 98 14.1 97 1.0%  1/99 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.0% trans-HFC-1234ze/CF₃SCF₃ 34.3/65.7 12.7 87 12.7 87 0.0% 20/80 12.6 87 12.6 87 0.2% 10/90 12.4 85 12.3 85 0.3%  1/99 12.0 83 12.0 83 0.1% 60/40 12.4 86 12.4 85 0.5% 80/20 12.0 82 11.8 81 1.1% 90/10 11.6 80 11.5 79 0.9% 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.2% trans-HFC-1234ze/CF₃I  1/99 11.9 82 11.9 82 0.0% 10/90 11.9 82 11.9 82 0.0% 20/80 11.8 81 11.8 81 0.0% 40/60 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.1% 60/40 11.4 79 11.4 79 0.1% 80/20 11.3 78 11.3 78 0.1% 90/10 11.3 78 11.2 77 0.1% 99/1  11.2 77 11.2 77 0.0% HFC-32/HFC-125/trans-HFC-1234ze (25° C.) 30/40/30 221.5 1527 209.4 1444 5.5% 30/50/20 227.5 1569 220.2 1518 3.2% HFC-125/trans-HFC-1234ze/n-butane (25° C.) 66/32/2 180.4 1244 170.3 1174 5.6% HFC-1243zf/HFC-134 63.0/37.0 13.5 93 13.5 93 0.0% 80/20 13.4 93 13.4 92 0.1% 90/10 13.2 91 13.2 91 0.2% 99/1  13.0 90 13.0 90 0.0% 40/60 13.3 92 13.3 91 0.5% 20/80 12.7 88 12.6 87 1.3% 10/90 12.3 84 12.1 83 1.5%  1/99 11.6 80 11.6 80 0.3% HFC-1243zf/HFC-134a 25.1/74.9 15.9 110 15.9 110 0.0% 10/90 15.8 109 15.8 109 0.1%  1/99 15.5 107 15.5 107 0.1% 40/60 15.8 109 15.8 109 0.2% 60/40 15.3 106 15.1 104 1.2% 80/20 14.4 99 14.1 97 2.1% 90/10 13.8 95 13.5 93 1.7% 99/1  13.1 90 13.0 90 0.2% HFC-1243zf/HFC-152a 40.7/59.3 15.2 104 15.2 104 0.0% 20/80 15.0 103 15.0 103 0.2% 10/90 14.8 102 14.7 102 0.3%  1/99 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.1% 60/40 15.0 103 14.9 103 0.3% 80/20 14.4 99 14.2 98 1.1% 90/10 13.8 95 13.6 94 1.2% 99/1  13.1 90 13.1 90 0.2% HFC-1243zf/HFC-161  1/99 25.2 174 25.2 174 0.0% 10/90 24.9 172 24.8 171 0.3% 20/80 24.5 169 24.2 167 0.9% 40/60 23.3 160 22.6 156 2.9% 60/40 21.5 148 20.1 139 6.3% 78/22 18.8 130 16.9 117 10.0% 90/10 16.2 111 14.6 101 9.5% 99/1  13.4 92 13.1 90 1.7% HFC-1243zf/HFC-227ea 78.5/21.5 13.1 90 13.1 90 0.0% 90/10 13.1 90 13.1 90 0.0% 99/1  13.0 90 13.0 90 0.0% 60/40 13.0 90 13.0 89 0.2% 40/60 12.6 87 12.5 86 1.1% 20/80 11.8 81 11.5 79 2.7% 10/90 11.1 76 10.7 74 2.8%  1/99 10.1 69 10.0 69 0.6% HFC-1243zf/HFC-236ea 99/1  13.0 89 13.0 89 0.0% 90/10 12.8 88 12.7 87 0.5% 80/20 12.5 86 12.3 84 1.8% 60/40 11.7 81 11.0 76 6.6% 53/47 11.4 79 10.3 71 9.9% 52/48 11.4 78 10.2 70 10.5% HFC-1243zf/HFC-236fa 99/1  13.0 89 12.9 89 0.1% 90/10 12.6 87 12.5 86 1.0% 80/20 12.2 84 11.9 82 2.5% 60/40 11.3 78 10.5 73 6.6% 49/51 10.6 73 9.6 66 9.9% 48/52 10.6 73 9.5 65 10.2% HFC-1243zf/HFC-245fa 99/1  12.9 89 12.9 89 0.2% 90/10 12.5 86 12.2 84 2.1% 80/20 12.0 83 11.4 79 4.6% 70/30 11.5 79 10.6 73 7.9% 66/34 11.3 78 10.2 70 9.6% 65/35 11.2 77 10.1 69 10.2% HFC-1243zf/propane 32.8/67.2 31.0 213 31.0 213 0.0% 10/90 30.3 209 30.1 207 0.7%  1/99 29.5 204 29.5 203 0.1% 60/40 30.1 208 29.2 201 3.2% 72/28 29.0 200 26.1 180 10.2% 71/29 29.2 201 26.5 182 9.3% HFC-1243zf/n-butane 90.3/9.7  13.5 93 13.5 93 0.0% 99/1  13.1 90 13.1 90 0.2% 62/38 12.6 87 11.4 79 9.4% 61/39 12.6 87 11.3 78 10.3% HFC-1243zf/isobutane 80.7/19.3 14.3 98 14.3 98 0.0% 90/10 14.1 97 14.0 96 0.9% 99/1  13.2 91 13.1 90 0.7% 60/40 13.8 95 13.4 92 3.2% 45/55 13.1 91 11.9 82 9.5% 44/56 13.1 90 11.8 81 10.1% HFC-1243zf/DME 72.7/27.3 12.0 83 12.0 83 0.0% 90/10 12.4 85 12.3 85 0.5% 99/1  12.9 89 12.9 89 0.1% 60/40 12.2 84 12.1 84 0.5% 40/60 13.0 90 12.7 88 2.2% 20/80 14.0 96 13.7 95 2.0% 10/90 14.3 99 14.2 98 0.6%  1/99 14.5 100 14.5 100 0.0% cis-HFC-1234ze/HFC-236ea (25° C.) 20.9/79.1 30.3 209 30.3 209 0.0% 10/90 30.2 208 30.2 208 0.0%  1/99 29.9 206 29.9 206 0.0% 40/60 30.0 207 30.0 207 0.2% 60/40 29.2 201 28.9 199 0.9% 80/20 27.8 191 27.4 189 1.4% 90/10 26.8 185 26.5 183 1.1% 99/1  25.9 178 25.8 178 0.2% cis-HFC-1234ze/HFC-236fa (25° C.)  1/99 39.3 271 39.3 271 0.0% 10/90 38.6 266 38.4 265 0.3% 20/80 37.6 259 37.3 257 0.9% 40/60 35.4 244 34.5 238 2.5% 60/40 32.8 226 31.4 216 4.3% 78/22 29.6 204 28.2 195 4.8% 90/10 27.8 192 26.9 185 3.4% 99/1  26.0 179 25.8 178 0.5% cis-HFC-1234ze/HFC-245fa (25° C.) 76.2/23.7 26.2 180 26.2 180 0.0% 90/10 26.0 179 26.0 179 0.0% 99/1  25.8 178 25.8 178 0.0% 60/40 26.0 179 25.9 179 0.2% 40/60 25.3 174 25.0 173 0.9% 20/80 23.9 164 23.5 162 1.7% 10/90 22.8 157 22.5 155 1.5%  1/99 21.6 149 21.5 149 0.2% cis-HFC-1234ze/n-butane 51.4/48.6 6.1 42 6.1 42 0.0% 80/20 5.8 40 5.2 36 9.3% 81/19 5.8 40 5.2 36 10.4% 40/60 6.1 42 6.0 41 0.7% 20/80 5.8 40 5.6 39 3.3% 10/90 5.6 38 5.4 37 3.1%  1/99 5.3 36 5.2 36 0.6% cis-HFC-1234ze/isobutane 26.2/73.8 8.7 60 8.7 60 0.0% 10/90 8.7 60 8.6 59 0.3%  1/99 8.5 59 8.5 59 0.0% 40/60 8.7 60 8.6 60 0.5% 60/40 8.4 58 8.0 55 4.3% 70/30 8.1 56 7.3 50 10.3% 69/31 8.2 56 7.4 51 9.4% cis-HFC-1234ze/2-methylbutane (25° C.) 86.6/13.4 27.3 188 27.3 188 0.0% 90/10 27.2 187 27.2 187 0.1% 99/1  26.0 180 25.9 179 0.5% 60/40 25.8 178 24.0 166 6.9% 55/45 25.3 174 22.8 157 10.0% cis-HFC-1234ze/n-pentane (25° C.) 92.9/9.1  26.2 181 26.2 181 0.0% 99/1  25.9 178 25.9 178 0.1% 80/20 25.6 177 25.2 174 1.8% 70/30 24.8 171 23.5 162 5.6% 64/36 24.3 167 22.0 152 9.2% 63/37 24.2 167 21.8 150 9.9% HFC-1234ye/HFC-134 (25° C.)  1/99 75.9 523 75.8 523 0.1% 10/90 73.8 509 73.0 503 1.1% 20/80 71.3 491 69.0 476 3.1% 38/62 66.0 455 59.6 411 9.7% 39/61 65.7 453 58.9 406 10.2% HFC-1234ye/HFC-236ea (−25° C.) 24.0/76.0 3.4 23 3.4 23 0.0% 10/90 3.3 23 3.3 23 0.3%  1/99 3.3 23 3.3 23 0.0% 40/60 3.3 23 3.3 23 0.0% 60/40 3.2 22 3.2 22 0.9% 80/20 3.1 21 3.0 21 1.6% 90/10 2.9 20 2.9 20 1.4% 99/1  2.8 19 2.8 19 0.0% HFC-1234ye/HFC-236fa (25° C.)  1/99 39.2 270 39.2 270 0.1% 10/90 37.7 260 37.3 257 1.1% 20/80 36.1 249 35.2 243 2.5% 40/60 32.8 226 31.0 213 5.7% 60/40 29.3 202 26.7 184 8.8% 78/22 25.4 175 23.1 159 9.1% 90/10 23.2 160 21.7 150 6.3% 99/1  21.0 145 20.8 144 0.8% HFC-1234ye/HFC-245fa (25° C.) 42.5/57.5 22.8 157 22.8 157 0.0% 20/80 22.5 155 22.4 155 0.3% 10/90 22.1 152 22.0 152 0.3%  1/99 21.5 148 21.5 148 0.0% 60/40 22.6 156 22.6 156 0.2% 80/20 22.0 152 21.9 151 0.6% 90/10 21.5 148 21.3 147 0.6% 99/1  20.8 144 20.8 143 0.1% HFC-1234ye/cis-HFC-1234ze (25° C.)  1/99 25.7 177 25.7 177 0.0% 10/90 25.6 176 25.6 176 0.0% 20/80 25.3 175 25.3 174 0.1% 40/60 24.7 170 24.5 169 0.5% 60/40 23.7 163 23.5 162 1.0% 78/22 22.4 155 22.2 153 1.2% 90/10 21.7 149 21.5 148 0.9% 99/1  20.9 144 20.8 144 0.1% HFC-1234ye/n-butane (25° C.) 41.2/58.8 38.0 262 38.0 262 0.0% 20/80 37.3 257 37.0 255 0.8% 10/90 36.4 251 36.1 249 0.9%  1/99 35.4 244 35.3 243 0.2% 60/40 37.4 258 36.9 254 1.4% 70/30 36.5 252 34.9 241 4.4% 78/22 35.3 243 31.8 219 9.9% 79/21 35.1 242 31.3 216 10.9% HFC-1234ye/cyclopentane (25° C.) 99/1  20.7 143 20.7 143 0.0% 90/10 20.3 140 20.0 138 1.0% 80/20 19.5 134 18.7 129 4.1% 70/30 18.6 128 16.9 116 9.5% 69/31 18.5 128 16.6 115 10.3% HFC-1234ye/isobutane (25° C.) 16.4/83.6 50.9 351 50.9 351 0.0% 10/90 50.9 351 50.9 351 0.0%  1/99 50.5 348 50.5 348 0.0% 40/60 50.1 345 49.6 342 1.0% 60/40 47.8 330 45.4 313 5.2% 68/32 46.4 320 42.0 289 9.5% 69/31 46.2 318 41.4 286 10.3% HFC-1234ye/2-methylbutane (25° C.) 80.3/19.7 23.1 159 23.1 159 0.0% 90/10 22.8 157 22.6 156 1.1% 99/1  21.2 146 20.9 144 1.0% 60/40 22.5 155 21.7 149 3.6% 47/53 21.5 148 19.4 134 9.6% 46/54 21.4 148 19.2 133 10.1% HFC-1234ye/n-pentane (25° C.) 87.7/12.3 21.8 150 21.8 150 0.0% 95/5  21.5 149 21.4 148 0.5% 99/1  21.0 145 20.9 144 0.4% 60/40 20.5 141 18.9 131 7.7% 57/43 20.3 140 18.3 126 9.7% 56/44 20.2 139 18.1 125 10.4%

The difference in vapor pressure between the original composition and the composition remaining after 50 weight percent is removed is less then about 10 percent for compositions of the present invention. This indicates that the compositions of the present invention would be azeotropic or near-azeotropic.

Example 2 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 10 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to HFC-134a. In Table 10, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, COP is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 40.0° F. (4.4° C.)

Condenser temperature 130.0° F. (54.4° C.)

Subcool amount 10.0° F. (5.5° C.)

Return gas temperature 60.0° F. (15.6° C.)

Compressor efficiency is 100%

Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 10 Evap Evap Cond Cond Comp Comp Cap Pres Pres Pres Pres Disch T Disch T (Btu/ Cap Composition (wt %) (Psia) (kPa) (Psia) (kPa) (F.) (C.) min) (kW) COP HFC-134a 50.3 346 214 1476 156 68.9 213 3.73 4.41 HFC-1225ye 37.6 259 165 1138 146 63.3 162 2.84 4.41 HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a (85/15) 39.8 274 173 1193 151 66.1 173 3.03 4.45 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (95/5) 46.5 321 197 1358 151 66.1 200 3.50 4.53 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (96/4) 44.2 305 189 1303 150 65.6 191 3.35 4.51 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (97/3) 43.1 297 184 1269 149 65.0 186 3.26 4.50 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (94/6) 47.3 326 200 1379 153 67.2 203 3.56 4.52 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (93/7) 48.8 336 205 1413 154 67.8 210 3.68 4.53 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (90/10) 53.0 365 222 1531 157 69.4 227 3.98 4.52 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a (90/10) 39.5 272 172 1186 147 63.9 169 2.96 4.40 HFC-1225ye/CO₂ (99/1) 43.2 298 179 1234 146 63.3 177 3.10 4.63 HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-32 44.5 307 190 1310 150 65.6 191 3.35 4.49 (88/9/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC-32 45.5 314 194 1338 151 66.1 195 3.42 4.49 (88/8/4) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC- 41.0 283 178 1227 153 67.2 178 3.12 4.44 152a (76/9/15) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/HFC- 42.0 290 181 1248 150 65.6 179 3.13 4.42 161 (86/10/4) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/propane 47.0 324 195 1345 148 64.4 197 3.45 4.49 (87/10/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/i-butane 41.7 288 178 1227 146 63.3 175 3.06 4.39 (87/10/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/DME 38.7 267 169 1165 149 65.0 168 2.94 4.44 (87/10/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134a/CO₂ 42.4 292 180 1241 147 63.9 182 3.18 4.51 (88.5/11/.5) HFC-1225ye/HFC-134/HFC-32 43.0 296 185 1276 150 65.6 187 3.27 4.51 (88/9/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/HFC-32 46.7 322 198 1365 155 68.3 203 3.55 4.53 (85/10/5) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/HFC-32 45.5 314 193 1331 155 68.3 198 3.47 4.52 (81/15/4) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/HFC-32 44.1 304 188 1296 155 68.3 192 3.36 4.50 (82/15/3) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/propane 44.4 306 185 1276 151 66.1 190 3.33 4.52 (85/13/2) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/i-butane 40.9 282 176 1214 150 65.6 175 3.06 4.44 (85/13/2) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/DME 39.0 269 170 1172 152 66.7 171 3.00 4.46 (85/13/2) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/CO₂ 44.8 309 185 1276 151 66.1 195 3.42 4.64 (84/15/1) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/CO₂ 42.3 292 179 1234 151 66.1 184 3.22 4.55 (84/15.5/0.5) HFC-1225ye/HFC-152a/CF₃I 42.0 290 180 1241 155 68.3 181 3.17 4.46 (70/20/10) HFC-1234yf/HFC-32 58.6 404 230 1586 149 65.0 228 4.00 4.36 (95/5) HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a 52.7 363 210 1448 145 62.8 206 3.61 4.33 (90/10) HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a 53.5 369 213 1468 150 65.6 213 3.73 4.38 (80/20) trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-32 42.6 294 183 1262 153 67.2 186 3.26 4.51 (95/5) trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-32/CF₃I 43.5 300 182 1255 154 67.8 184 3.22 4.46 (70/2/28) trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-134a 38.1 263 166 1145 149 65.0 165 2.89 4.44 (90/10) trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-152a 41.0 284 176 1214 154 67.8 177 3.10 4.48 (80/20) trans-HFC-1234ze/HFC-125 38.6 266 167 1151 148 64.4 167 2.92 4.45 (96/4) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf 46.0 317 190 1310 145 62.8 186 3.26 4.35 (51/49) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf 44.0 303 187 1289 146 63.3 179 3.13 4.30 (60/40) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 43.0 296 183 1261 147 63.9 179 3.13 4.38 134a (70/20/10) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 50.7 350 205 1412 145 62.8 200 3.50 4.34 134a (20/70/10) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 53.0 365 212 1464 146 63.3 210 3.68 4.37 32 (25/73/2) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 45.3 312 190 1312 148 64.4 189 3.31 4.43 32 (75/23/2) HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/HFC- 47.6 328 200 1379 151 66.1 203 3.56 4.50 32 (85/10/5) HFC-1234yf/HFC-32/CF₃I 56.2 387 217 1496 151 66.1 217 3.80 4.35 (60/1/39)) HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (60/40) 54.1 373 210 1448 149 65.0 209 3.66 4.34 comparative? HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/CF₃I 56.8 392 220 1517 147 63.9 217 3.80 4.31 (70/4/26) HFC-1234yf/HFC-125/CF₃I 56.4 389 219 1510 146 63.3 215 3.77 4.32 (80/4/16) HFC-1234yf/HFC-125 (96/4) 55.1 380 217 1496 144 62.2 212 3.71 4.31 HFC-1234yf/HFC-134a/CF₃I 54.7 377 215 1482 148 64.4 211 3.70 4.32 (70/10/20) HFC-1234yf/HFC-152a/CF₃I 55.1 380 214 1475 154 67.8 216 3.78 4.36 (50/10/40)

Several compositions have even higher energy efficiency (COP) than HFC-134a while maintaining lower discharge pressures and temperatures. Capacity for the compositions listed in Table 10 is also similar to R134a indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R134a in refrigeration and air-conditioning, and in mobile air-conditioning applications in particular. Results also show cooling capacity of HFC-1225ye can be improved with addition of other compounds such as HFC-32, HFC-134a, CO2 or HFC-1234yf. Those compositions containing hydrocarbon may also improve oil solubility with conventional mineral oil and alkyl benzene lubricants.

Example 3 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 11 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to R404A and R422A. In Table 11, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature −17.8° C.

Condenser temperature 46.1° C.

Subcool amount 5.5° C.

Return gas temperature 15.6° C.

Compressor efficiency is 70%

Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 11 Evap Cond P Compr Press Press Disch T CAP wt % (kPa) (kPa) (C.) (kJ/m3) EER Existing Refrigerant Product R22 267 1774 144 1697 4.99 R404A 330 2103 101.1 1769 4.64 R507A 342 2151 100.3 1801 4.61 R422A 324 2124 95.0 1699 4.54 Candidate Replacement HFC-125/HFC- 85.1/11.5/3.4 330 2137 93.3 1699 4.50 1225ye/isobutane HFC-125/trans-HFC- 86.1/11.5/2.4 319 2096 94.4 1669 4.52 1234ze/isobutane HFC-125/HFC- 87.1/11.5/1.4 343 2186 93.3 1758 4.52 1234yf/isobutane HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/n- 85.1/11.5/3.4 322 2106 93.5 1674 4.52 butane HFC-125/trans-HFC- 86.1/11.5/2.4 314 2083 94.8 1653 4.53 1234ze/n-butane HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/n- 87.1/11.5/1.4 340 2173 93.4 1748 4.53 butane HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/10/′80 173 1435 107 1159 4.97 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/25/50 276 2041 120 1689 4.73 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/40/35 314 2217 119 1840 4.66 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/10/60 265 1990 125 1664 4.78 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/15/55 276 2046 125 1710 4.76 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/20/50 287 2102 124 1757 4.73 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/30/40 311 2218 124 1855 4.68 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/35/35 324 2271 123 1906 4.66 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/15/50 296 2157 129 1820 4.72 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/20/45 308 2212 129 1868 4.70 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/30/35 332 2321 127 1968 4.66 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/40/25 357 2424 126 2068 4.64 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 50/30/20 390 2584 138 2277 4.54 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 40/30/30 353 2418 131 2077 4.66 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 40/35/25 364 2465 131 2124 4.64 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 45/30/25 372 2505 135 2180 4.66 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/20/10/60 190 1517 110 1255 4.97 152a/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 15/25/10/50 221 1709 115 1422 4.90 152a/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/20/15/45 229 1755 121 1485 4.90 152a/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 30/20/50 272 1984 130 1706 4.80 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 40/10/50 299 2159 137 1860 4.73 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 30/30/40 286 2030 133 1774 4.80 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 30/60/10 314 2120 144 1911 4.75 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 40/20/40 315 2214 139 1936 4.73 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 30/50/20 309 2101 139 1885 4.78 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 40/40/20 346 2309 145 2079 4.71 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 45/45/10 373 2432 152 2217 4.67 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 45/10/45 319 2260 141 1964 4.71 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 50/10/40 338 2353 145 2065 4.68 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 50/20/30 356 2410 147 2150 4.68 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 25/5/70 230 1781 122 1495 4.90 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 60/30/10 409 2626 158 2434 4.66 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 50/25/25 364 2437 149 2192 4.68 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 50/20/30 356 2410 147 2156 4.68 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 25/50/25 284 1964 134 1754 4.85 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 45/30/25 353 2368 146 2124 4.71 1225ye HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 5/50/45 199 1377 107 1254 5.11 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 5/30/65 197 1382 103 1241 5.11 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 10/25/65 220 1542 107 1374 5.04 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 20/10/70 255 1786 114 1577 4.95 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 30/10/60 295 2020 123 1795 4.88 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 30/20/50 305 2057 125 1843 4.85 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 30/30/40 314 2091 128 1887 4.85 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 20/40/40 275 1861 121 1679 4.92 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 10/40/50 225 1558 111 1404 5.04 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 50/20/30 378 2447 143 2238 4.73 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 40/30/30 354 2305 137 2099 4.76 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 40/40/20 360 2336 142 2136 4.74 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 35/35/30 338 2217 135 2015 4.78 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 35/30/35 334 2202 133 1996 4.80 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf 50/25/25 384 2468 145 2267 4.72 HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 40/20/20/20 331 2246 136 1999 4.76 1225ye/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 30/20/25/25 290 2029 127 1782 4.83 1225ye/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 30/10/30/30 279 1987 125 1728 4.83 1225ye/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/25/25/25 297 2089 118 1772 4.76 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/30/25/25 286 2025 113 1702 4.64 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/30/30/20 290 2033 113 1717 4.76 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/30/40/10 297 2048 112 1746 4.78 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/30/20/20 328 2251 122 1925 4.71 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/30/1/39 312 2217 123 1858 4.68 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/30/39/1 342 2275 120 1979 4.73 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/30/10/30 320 2235 123 1891 4.68 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/30/5/30 337 2330 127 1986 4.66 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/15/10/55 240 1818 115 1513 4.85 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/15/10/45 284 2066 124 1743 4.76 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 40/30/15/15 341 2364 132 2022 4.66 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC- 30/25/5/35/5 335 2240 121 1954 4.76 125/CF₃I/HFC- 1234yf/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC- 30/25/5/40 338 2245 121 1966 4.76 125/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/35/35/5 323 2195 115 1837 4.64 1225ye/isobutane HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/38/35/2 318 2214 117 1837 4.64 1225ye/isobutane HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/38/35/2 330 2297 118 1892 4.59 1225ye/propane HFC-32/CF₃I/HFC- 50/20/25/5 321 2252 150 2010 4.76 1225ye/DME HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/30/30/5 293 2135 131 1823 4.76 1225ye/DME HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/33/30/2 320 2268 129 1925 4.68 1225ye/DME HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 35/35/28/2 324 2288 129 1943 4.68 1225ye/DME HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/50/25 365 2376 115 2040 4.66 1234yf HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/30/40 343 2276 120 1982 4.73 1234yf HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/30/50 303 2059 112 1770 4.78 1234yf HFC-32/HFC- 25/25/10/40 323 2154 118 1884 4.78 125/CF₃I/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/HFC- 25/25/10/40 291 2088 121 1757 4.73 125/CF₃I/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC- 20/30/10/40 279 2017 117 1680 4.73 125/CF₃I/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC- 20/35/5/40 285 2056 116 1699 4.71 125/CF₃I/HFC-1225ye HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 20/80 200 1620 117 1331 4.91 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 30/70 246 1879 126 1587 4.85 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye 40/60 284 2101 134 1788 4.74 HFC-32/HFC- 40/50/10 299 2159 137 1860 4.74 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC- 50/40/10 337 2353 145 2065 4.69 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/20/50 242 1854 128 1578 4.88 1225ye FC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/10/50 281 2078 135 1783 4.78 1225ye FC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/20/40 277 2053 136 1775 4.81 1225ye FC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/30/30 274 2029 137 1762 4.85 1225ye FC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/40/20 269 2004 138 1747 4.86 1225ye FC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 50/30/20 302 2189 145 1929 4.79 1225ye HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/30/20/10 287 2081 139 1828 4.88 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/30/15/15 294 2106 140 1862 4.81 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/30/30/10 254 1891 130 1637 4.88 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/10/30/15/15 280 2016 131 1756 4.83 134a/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC- 30/10/20/20/20 291 2064 131 1802 4.81 134a/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/30/20/20 253 1877 127 1628 4.91 1225ye/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/30/10/30 259 1892 126 1651 4.90 1225ye/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 35/25/5/35 280 2003 129 1762 4.87 1225ye/HFC-1234yf HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 35/20/10/30/5 286 2032 130 1790 4.85 1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 35/20/35/10 296 2063 130 1834 4.85 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 35/10/45/10 306 2095 128 1868 4.84 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 25/15/50/10 267 1878 121 1660 4.91 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/30/30/10 272 1939 128 1712 4.88 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/20/40/10 280 1968 126 1744 4.88 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/20/30/20 289 2003 129 1787 4.87 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 30/20/20/30 297 2035 132 1831 4.87 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 25/20/25/30 279 1928 127 1729 4.89 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 40/20/20/20 320 2188 138 1967 4.81 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 50/10/20/20 362 2396 145 2183 4.74 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC- 50/10/30/10 351 2354 141 2127 4.76 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 15/15/70 266 2004 152 1831 5.01 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 20/20/60 289 2141 165 2008 5.00 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 20/10/70 265 2002 144 1789 4.96 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 25/25/50 302 2229 178 2118 5.00 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 25/15/60 295 2171 158 2001 4.95 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC-1225ye 30/10/60 297 2182 151 1968 4.89 HFC-32/NH₃/HFC- 25/25/40/10 305 2246 182 2138 5.00 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/NH₃/HFC- 20/20/50/10 296 2162 168 2048 5.00 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/NH₃/HFC- 15/15/55/15 278 2041 156 1899 5.00 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/NH₃/HFC- 20/10/55/15 280 2052 148 1868 4.95 1225ye/CF₃I HFC-32/NH₃/HFC- 20/10/50/20 311 2125 143 2005 4.99 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-32/NH₃/HFC- 10/10/20/60 280 1928 152 1857 5.05 1234yf/CF₃I HFC-1225ye/R717 95/5 159 1317 113 1121 5.16 HFC-1225ye/R717 90/10 194 1550 128 1368 5.14 HFC-1225ye/R717 85/15 217 1698 141 1535 5.11 HFC-1225ye/R717 80/20 243 1725 146 1750 5.43 HFC-125/HFC- 5/85/10 205 1613 127 1423 5.11 1225ye/R717 HFC-125/HFC- 10/80/10 212 1651 127 1455 5.09 1225ye/R717 HFC-125/HFC- 15/75/10 220 1687 127 1486 5.04 1225ye/R717 HFC-125/HFC- 20/70/10 227 1723 126 1516 5.02 1225ye/R717 HFC-125/HFC- 25/65/10 235 1757 126 1547 5.00 1225ye/R717 HFC-125/HFC- 20/65/15 248 1845 138 1674 5.04 1225ye/R717 HFC-125/HFC- 20/75/5 195 1525 112 1291 5.02 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/10/60/5 273 2029 135 1766 4.88 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/20/55/5 273 2011 130 1740 4.85 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/20/65/5 235 1787 121 1526 4.92 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 25/10/55/10 295 2148 146 1936 4.90 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 20/20/50/10 295 2125 142 1911 4.90 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/20/60/10 262 1938 134 1722 4.95 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/10/65/15 265 1974 147 1804 5.02 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/20/55/15 278 2028 146 1859 5.00 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 5/25/55/15 270 1967 141 1798 5.00 1225ye/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 10/20/60/10 295 2025 129 1865 5.00 1234yf/R717 R32/HFC-125/HFC- 5/25/60/10 285 1958 125 1797 5.00 1234yf/R717

Several compositions have energy efficiency (EER) comparable top R404A and R422A. Discharge temperatures are also lower than R404A and R507A. Capacity for the compositions listed in Table 11 is also similar to R404A, R507A, and R422A indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R404A, R507A, or R422A in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Those compositions containing hydrocarbon may also improve oil solubility with conventional mineral oil and alkyl benzene lubricants.

Example 4 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 12 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to HCFC-22, R410A, R407C, and R417A. In Table 12, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 4.4° C.

Condenser temperature 54.4° C.

Subcool amount 5.5° C.

Return gas temperature 15.6° C.

Compressor efficiency is 100%

Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 12 Evap Cond Compr Press Press Disch T CAP wt % (kPa)) (kPa) (C.) (kJ/m³) EER Existing Refrigerant Product R22 573 2149 88.6 3494 14.73 R410A 911 3343 89.1 4787 13.07 R407C 567 2309 80.0 3397 14.06 R417A 494 1979 67.8 2768 13.78 Candidate Replacement HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 30/40/30 732 2823 81.1 3937 13.20 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 23/25/52 598 2429 78.0 3409 13.54 HFC-32/HFC-125/trans-HFC- 30/50/20 749 2865 81.7 3975 13.10 1234ze HFC-32/HFC-125/trans-HFC- 23/25/52 546 2252 78.9 3222 13.80 1234ze HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf 40/50/10 868 3185 84.4 4496 13.06 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf 23/25/52 656 2517 76.7 3587 13.62 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf 15/45/40 669 2537 73.3 3494 13.28 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf 10/60/30 689 2586 71.3 3447 12.96 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/n-butane 65/32/3 563 2213 66.1 2701 12.87 HFC-125/trans-HFC-1234ze/n- 66/32/2 532 2130 67.2 2794 13.08 butane HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/n-butane 67/32/1 623 2344 66.1 3043 12.85 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/isobutane 65/32/3 574 2244 66.2 2874 12.79 HFC-125/trans-HFC- 66/32/2 538 2146 67.4 2808 13.04 1234ze/isobutane HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/isobutane 67/32/1 626 2352 66.3 3051 12.83

Compositions have energy efficiency (EER) comparable to R22, R407c, R417A, and R410A while maintaining low discharge temperatures. Capacity for the compositions listed in Table 12 is also similar to R22, R407c and R417A indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R22, R407c or R417A in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Those compositions containing hydrocarbon may also improve oil solubility with conventional mineral oil and alkyl benzene lubricant.

Example 5 Refrigeration Performance Data

Table 13 shows the performance of various refrigerant compositions of the present invention as compared to HCFC-22 and R410A. In Table 13, Evap Pres is evaporator pressure, Cond Pres is condenser pressure, Comp Disch T is compressor discharge temperature, EER is energy efficiency, and CAP is capacity. The data are based on the following conditions.

Evaporator temperature 4° C.

Condenser temperature 43° C.

Subcool amount 6° C.

Return gas temperature 18° C.

Compressor efficiency is 70%

Note that the superheat is included in cooling capacity.

TABLE 13 Evap Cond Compr Press Press Disch CAP (kPa) (kPa) Temp (C.) (kJ/m3) EER Existing refrigerant product R22 565 1648 90.9 3808 9.97 R410A 900 2571 88.1 5488 9.27 Candidate replacement product (Composition wt %) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (40/60) 630 1948 86.7 4242 9.56 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (45/55) 666 2041 88.9 4445 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (50/50) 701 2127 91.0 4640 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (40/30/20) 711 2104 90.6 4605 9.56 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/30/25) 737 2176 92.2 4765 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/35/20) 724 2151 91.4 4702 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 607 1880 87.8 4171 9.69 (40/30/30) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 637 1958 89.9 4347 9.66 (45/30/25) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 631 1944 90.2 4326 9.69 (45/35/20) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 611 1845 89.6 4107 9.66 (30/20/5/45) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 575 1745 86.5 3891 9.76 (25/20/10/45) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 646 1939 91.2 4308 9.62 (35/10/5/40) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye/HFC- 587 1822 84 4001 9.69 1234yf (34/12/47/7) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye/HFC- 561 1752 81.9 3841 9.73 1234yf (30/8/52/10) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye/HFC- 597 1852 84.3 4051 9.66 1234yf (35/6/52/7) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (40/60) 630 1948 86.7 4242 9.56 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (45/55) 666 2041 88.9 4445 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (50/50) 701 2127 91.0 4640 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (55/45) 734 2206 93.0 4825 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye (60/40) 764 2280 94.9 5001 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (65/30/5) 808 2376 97.5 5237 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (65/17.5/17.5) 845 2445 99.4 5408 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (65/5/30) 879 2508 101.7 5565 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF3I(60/30/10) 795 2337 96.3 5140 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (60/20/20) 857 2319 92.5 5565 10.27 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (60/10/30) 852 2442 99.5 5404 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (55/40/5) 749 2235 93.6 4894 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (55/25/20) 793 2319 95.7 5098 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (55/20/25) 808 2345 96.5 5163 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (55/5/40) 844 2413 99.4 5332 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (50/45/5) 819 2350 98.3 5176 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (50/25/25) 774 2264 94.4 4970 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (50/5/45) 716 2156 91.6 4706 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/50/5) 680 2069 89.5 4509 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/30/25) 737 2176 92.2 4765 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/35/20) 724 2151 91.4 4702 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/25/30) 750 2200 93.0 4825 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (45/5/50) 789 2276 97.3 4996 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (40/50/10) 657 2003 87.9 4365 9.52 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (40/30/30) 711 2104 90.6 4605 9.56 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I (40/10/50) 749 2178 94.7 4775 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (60/30/10) 823 2372 93.9 5228 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (60/20/20) 844 2415 96.0 5335 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (60/10/30) 862 2459 98.5 5433 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (55/35/10) 798 2305 91.7 5069 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (55/5/40) 850 2419 98.9 5347 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (50/40/10) 769 2232 89.4 4899 9.52 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (50/30/20) 790 2275 91.3 5002 9.49 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (50/20/30) 808 2313 93.4 5095 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (50/10/40) 821 2345 96.2 5168 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (50/5/45) 825 2357 97.8 5192 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (45/10/45) 792 2274 95.0 4999 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (45/5/50) 794 2283 96.8 5011 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (40/50/10) 705 2067 85.0 4523 9.59 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (40/40/20) 725 2108 86.5 4622 9.56 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (40/10/50) 759 2192 93.8 4806 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I (40/5/55) 759 2197 95.7 4808 9.39 HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 713 2156 96.2 4807 9.56 (60/30/10) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 730 2196 95.8 4875 9.52 (60/20/20) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 747 2237 95.3 4941 9.49 (60/10/30) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 727 2187 93.1 4802 9.49 (55/5/40) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 704 2131 93.7 4723 9.56 (55/20/25) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 674 2060 94.7 4605 9.62 (55/40/5) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 695 2110 91.1 4623 9.49 (50/5/45) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 671 2045 91.9 4536 9.62 (50/25/25) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 645 1982 92.8 4433 9.69 (50/45/5) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 662 2027 89.0 4433 9.52 (45/5/50) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 642 1971 89.7 4367 9.66 (45/25/30) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 637 1958 89.9 4347 9.66 (45/30/25) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 631 1944 90.2 4326 9.69 (45/35/20) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 615 1903 90.9 4259 9.73 (45/50/5) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 623 1926 87.0 4224 9.62 (40/10/50) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 607 1880 87.8 4171 9.69 (40/30/30) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye 589 1833 88.7 4101 9.76 (40/50/10) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye (60/5/35) 784 2323 94.6 5087 9.42 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 803 2365 94.2 5173 9.42 (60/10/30) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 822 2407 93.9 5256 9.39 (60/15/25) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 742 2220 90.3 4820 9.42 (50/10/40) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye (50/5/45) 721 2173 90.7 4730 9.45 HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 762 2266 90.0 4911 9.42 (50/15/35) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 692 2097 85.9 4518 9.45 (40/15/45) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 671 2047 86.2 4425 9.49 (40/10/50) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye 654 2001 83.8 4304 9.49 (35/15/50) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 611 1845 89.6 4107 9.66 (30/20/5/45) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 575 1745 86.5 3891 9.76 (25/20/10/45) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 646 1939 91.2 4308 9.62 (35/10/5/40) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye/HFC- 587 1822 84.0 4001 9.69 1234yf (34/12/47/7) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye/HFC- 561 1752 81.9 3841 9.73 1234yf (30/8/52/10) HFC-32/HFC-134a/HFC-1225ye/HFC- 597 1852 84.3 4051 9.66 1234yf (35/6/52/7) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 862 2470 98.9 5470 9.42 (65/5/10/20) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 818 2389 96.7 5270 9.42 (65/20/10/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 857 2465 99.3 5456 9.39 (65/10/5/20) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 828 2401 95.9 5298 9.45 (65/10/20/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 785 2316 95.2 5090 9.42 (60/30/5/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 809 2345 93.3 5163 9.45 (60/5/30/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 860 2448 99.0 5419 9.39 (60/5/5/30) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 835 2405 96.8 5309 9.42 (60/10/10/20) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 818 2358 95.6 5197 9.42 (55/10/10/25) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 839 2399 97.8 5298 9.42 (55/5/5/35) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 770 2263 92.1 4966 9.45 (55/20/20/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 783 2278 91.1 5005 9.49 (55/5/35/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 755 2243 93.2 4912 9.45 (55/35/5/5) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 816 2339 96.7 5153 9.42 (50/5/5/40) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 798 2303 94.3 5067 9.45 (50/10/10/20) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 752 2213 90.7 4848 9.49 (50/20/20/10) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 744 2161 91.6 4743 9.45 (40/10/10/40) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 728 2127 89.4 4663 9.52 (40/15/15/30) HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 707 2087 87.7 4566 9.52 (40/20/20/20) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 865 2481 97.0 5453 9.35 (60/10/10/20) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 873 2488 99.1 5494 9.39 (60/5/5/30) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 799 2352 95.2 5159 9.42 (60/5/30/5) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 845 2437 97.4 5367 9.39 (60/5/15/20) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 847 2414 95.2 5288 9.39 (50/10/5/35) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 758 2250 90.9 4891 9.42 (50/10/35/5) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 834 2384 96.7 5238 9.39 (50/5/5/40) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 797 2315 93.9 5070 9.42 (50/5/20/25) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 857 2440 93.9 5327 9.39 (50/15/5/30) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/CF₃I 779 2297 90.5 4983 9.39 (50/15/30/5) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 875 2494 96.1 5481 9.39 (60/10/10/20) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 879 2494 98.6 5508 9.39 (60/5/5/30) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 860 2455 96.0 5410 9.42 (60/5/15/20) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 852 2421 94.7 5304 9.39 (50/10/5/35) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 840 2391 96.2 5254 9.39 (50/5/5/40) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 818 2340 92.3 5134 9.45 (50/5/20/25) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1234yf/CF₃I 862 2447 93.4 5343 9.39 (50/15/5/30) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225/HFC- 759 2232 89.8 4873 9.49 1234yf/CF₃I (50/5/20/20/5) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225/HFC- 829 2370 95.2 5206 9.42 1234yf/CF₃I (50/5/5/5/35) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225/HFC- 775 2272 89.8 4948 9.45 1234yf/CF₃I (50/10/20/15/5) HFC-32/HFC-125/HFC-1225/HFC- 839 2397 93.8 5248 9.39 1234yf/CF₃I (50/10/5/5/30) HFC1225ye/R717 445 1433 82.2 3306 10.17 HFC1225ye/R717 493 1569 89.0 3666 10.17 HFC1225ye/R717 525 1660 95.0 3921 10.17 HFC1225ye/R717 370 1217 74.1 2767 10.20 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/R717 594 1855 95.0 4312 10.00 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/R717 594 1855 91.2 4232 9.90 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/R717 542 1718 84.7 3846 9.86 HFC-32/HFC-1225ye/R717 (10/85/5) 462 1494 79.9 3361 10.00 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/R717 (5/80/15) 513 1622 88.7 3778 10.14 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/R717 (10/75/15) 526 1652 88.4 3834 10.10 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/R717 533 1666 88.3 3861 10.07 (12.5/72.5/15) HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/R717 (15/70/15) 539 1680 88.1 3888 10.07 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/R717 (20/75/5) 444 1411 77.8 3142 10.00 HFC-125/HFC-1225ye/R717 (10/85/5) 410 1327 74.0 2984 10.10 HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 573 1776 90.1 4104 10.03 (5/15/65/15) HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 591 1822 92.9 4242 10.03 (5/17.5/60/17.5) HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 604 1861 92.1 4299 9.97 (10/15/60/15) HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 625 1926 90.5 4370 9.83 (20/10/60/10) HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 616 1905 86.3 4224 9.73 (25/10/60/5) HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 579 1806 84.1 4009 9.76 (20/10/65/5) HFC-32/R125/HFC-1225ye/R717 596 1845 83.9 4079 9.73 (20/15/60/5) Compositions have energy efficiency (EER) comparable to R22 and R410A while maintaining reasonable discharge temperatures. Capacity for certain compositions listed in Table 13 is also similar to R22 indicating these compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R22 in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Additionally, there are compositions listed in Table 13 with capacity approaching or equivalent to that for R410A indicating that those compositions could be replacement refrigerants for R410A in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

Example 6 Flammability

Flammable compounds may be identified by testing under ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) E681-01, with an electronic ignition source. Such tests of flammability were conducted on HFC-1234yf, HFC-1225ye and mixtures of the present disclosure at 101 kPa (14.7 psia), 100° C. (212° F.), and 50 percent relative humidity, at various concentrations in air in order to determine the lower flammability limit (LFL) and upper flammability limit (UFL). The results are given in Table 13.

TABLE 14 LFL UFL Composition (vol % in air) (vol % in air) HFC-1225ye (100 wt %) Non-flammable Non-flammable HFC-1234yf (100 wt %) 5.0 14.5 HFC-1234yf/1225ye (50/50 wt %) 8.5 12.0 HFC-1234yf/1225ye (40/60 wt %) Non-flammable Non-flammable HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (60/40 wt %) 13.0  17.0 HFC-1225ye/HFC-32 (65/35 wt %) Non-flammable Non-flammable

The results indicate that while HFC-1234yf is flammable, addition of HFC-1225ye reduces the flammability. Therefore, compositions comprising about 1 weight percent to about 49 weight percent HFC-1234yf and about 99 weight percent to about 51 weight percent HFC-1225ye are preferred. Results also show HFC-1225ye reduces the flammability of HFC-32 and results in a non-flammable composition at 65/35 wt % HFC-1225ye/HFC-32. 

1. (canceled)
 2. (canceled)
 3. A composition comprising HFC-1234yf and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of HFC-1234ye, HFC-1243zf, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134, HFC-134a, HFC-143a, HFC-152a, HFC-161, HFC-227ea, HFC-236ea, HFC-236fa, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc, propane, n-butane, isobutane, 2-methylbutane, n-pentane, cyclopentane, dimethylether, CF₃SCF₃, CO₂, ammonia, and CF₃I; provided that the composition comprises HFC-152a.
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. A composition of claim 3 which is an azeotropic or near-azeotropic composition comprising HFC-1234yf and HFC-152a.
 7. A composition of claim 6 wherein said azeotropic or near-azeotropic composition comprises about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1234yf and about 99 weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a.
 8. A composition of claim 6 wherein said azeotropic composition comprises about 91.0 weight percent HFC-1234yf and about 9.0 weight percent HFC-152a at a pressure of 17.9 psi (123 kPa) and a temperature of −25° C.
 9. A composition of claim 6 wherein said azeotropic or near azeotropic composition consists essentially of HFC-1234yf and HFC-152a.
 10. A composition of claim 6 wherein said azeotropic or near azeotropic composition consists of HFC-1234yf and HFC-152a.
 11. A composition of claim 3 comprising an azeotropic or near azeotropic combination of HFC-1234yf and HFC-152a; said combination comprising from about 1 weight percent to about 99 weight percent HFC-1234yf, and about 99 Weight percent to about 1 weight percent HFC-152a.
 12. The composition of claim 11, further comprising a lubricant selected from the group consisting of polyol esters, polyalkylene glycols, polyvinyl ethers, mineral oil, alkylbenzenes, synthetic paraffins, synthetic napthenes, and poly(alpha)olefins.
 13. A composition of claim 11, further comprising a tracer selected from the group consisting of hydrofluorocarbons, deuterated hydrocarbons, deuterated hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, fluoroethers, brominated compounds, iodated compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, nitrous oxide (N₂O) and combinations thereof.
 14. A composition of claim 11, further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of (i) compatibilizers selected from polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, amides, nitriles, ketones, chlorocarbons, esters lactones, aryl ethers, fluoroethers and 1,1,1-trifluoroalkanes, (ii) UV fluorescent dyes, (iii) solubilizing agents, (iv) odor masking agents and (v) additives selected from stabilizers, free radical scavengers and antioxidants.
 15. A composition of claim 14, comprising from about 0.01 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of an additive (v) selected from the group consisting of nitromethane, hindered phenols, hydroxylamines, thiols, phosphites and lactones.
 16. A composition of claim 11 wherein said azeotropic or near azeotropic combination is selected from the group consisting of combinations comprising from 1 to about 98 weight percent HFC-1234yf, from 1 to 98 weight percent HFC-152a and from 1 to 30 weight percent n-butane; combinations comprising from 1 to about 98 weight percent HFC-1234yf, from 1 to 98 weight percent HFC-152a and from 1 to 40 weight percent isobutane; combinations comprising from 1 to about 70 weight percent HFC-1234yf, from 1 to 98 weight percent HFC-152a and from 1 to 98 weight percent DME; and combinations comprising from 1 to about 98 weight percent HFC-1234yf, from 1 to 98 weight percent HFC-152a and from 1 to 98 weight percent HFC-1225ye.
 17. A method of producing cooling, said method comprising evaporating said composition of claim 11 in the vicinity of a body to be cooled and thereafter condensing said composition.
 18. A method of producing heat, said method comprising condensing said composition of claim 11 in the vicinity of a body to be heated and thereafter evaporating said composition.
 19. A method for replacing a high GWP refrigerant in a refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus, wherein said high GWP refrigerant is selected from the group consisting of R134a, R22, R123, R11, R245fa, R114, R236fa, R124, R12, R410A, R407c, R417A, R422A, R507A, R502, and R404A, said method comprising providing the composition of claim 6 to said refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus that uses, used or is designed to use said high GWP refrigerant.
 20. A method of using the composition of claim 11 as a heat transfer fluid composition, said process comprising comprises transporting said composition from a heat source to a heat sink.
 21. A refrigeration, air-conditioning, or heat pump apparatus containing a composition as claimed in claim
 11. 22. The apparatus of claim 21 comprising a stationary air-conditioning system, a stationary heat pump system or a stationary refrigeration system.
 23. A method of forming a foam comprising: a) adding to a foamable composition the composition of claim 11; and b) reacting the foamable composition under conditions effective to form a foam.
 24. A process for producing aerosol products comprising the step of adding the composition of claim 11 to active ingredients in an aerosol container, wherein said composition functions as a propellant. 